After being based in Australia for about a year because of COVID-19, Bunbury cyclist Connor Lambert is back in Europe and racing at a higher level than ever.
The former South West Academy of Sport athlete recently signed on with Canadian-registered UCI America Tour Continental team X-Speed United.
Being part of the team has opened doors for the cyclist, who is competing in a busy schedule of professional-level races.
“Signing for X-Speed United this year is a very exciting prospect and opportunity,” Lambert said.
“The team is of a higher level than I have raced before, giving me more exposure to the high end and quality of racing which I need to continue to move forward with my cycling career.
“Also, it’s has been quite a long time since I have raced in Europe thanks to spending a year back in Australia due to the COVID-19 situation.”
Located in Belgium, right on the border with the Netherlands, Lambert is situated in the heart of international bicycle road racing where he can test himself in UCI1.1 level races.
“This time I also help a friend in his coffee shop in Maastricht occasionally which breaks the routine of just training, eating and sleeping,” Lambert said.
“To be living in Europe again and to be so immersed in the lifestyle and way of living here has definitely helped me both on the bike as a cyclist as well as off the bike and hopefully has made me a more well-rounded person.”
Lambert, who has also previously spent seasons in the Netherlands and Italy as well as Belgium, is enjoying the opportunities and prospects coming his way on the cycling scene.
“Signing for X-Speed United this year is a very exciting prospect and opportunity,” Lambert said.
“The team is of a higher level than I have raced before giving me more exposure to the high end and quality of racing which I need to continue forward with my cycling career.”
The former South West Academy of Sport scholarship holder always finds time to give back when he is at home, most recently supporting South West Academy of Sport chief executive officer Bernice Butlion with this year’s SWAS Albemarle Fun Run.
“Every chance I get while I’m home I try to help Bernice and SWAS as much as I can,” Lambert said.
“The time and effort that they put into regional athletes is amazing and I have been lucky enough to be one of those athletes.
“In my eyes it is the very least I can do to help out.
“If I can help and make events somewhat easier for everyone I will try my best and if I in the process inspire other athletes to chase their dreams that would mean the world.”
Lambert is happy to share advice to up-and-coming sports men and women in the South West as he pursues his own sporting goals at a higher level overseas.
“The advice I would give to any aspiring athlete in SWAS or not even a part of the program is the very cliché “have fun”,” Lambert said.
“Because if you enjoy the sport you do, you will give it your absolute all.
“After all my years in Europe racing it has been my love for the sport that has taken me to the level I am at.
“No sport at a high level is easy. You will have bad days, it will feel like everything is going against you and that it is impossible.
“So, if you can always remember why you love doing what you do you can always find a way to overcome your obstacles and keep making progress.
“For me and a lot of athletes it’s about “baby steps” because any progress however small or large is always a step in the right direction.”