As a “Vegemite Kid”, Appleton will rub shoulders with the elite men’s competitors, along with 10 other chosen ambassadors and will lead out the racers from the starting line on February 2.
But for Appleton, 14, the race’s namesake means more than any of the professional cyclists set to grace the tarmac.
Hailing from a biking-mad family, Appleton’s interest in pushing the pedals arose when she plucked Cadel Evans’ biography from her parents’ nightstand.
“I was going in to say goodnight to her and she had grabbed the book from my room,” father Jarrod said.
“At the time I was really surprised because she was only 11 years old and, a few months passed, she was reading it again – she said it was better the second time.”
Sure enough, as another year went by, Appleton again had the book, “but was just reading the good parts that time around”, according to Jarrod.
“The first time she read it I was surprised, because that was before she really got into road racing.”
Inspired by Evans’ story to jump on the bike herself, Appleton has amassed a number of impressive cycling results in the past few years.
Last year she competed in the Cycling Victoria road series throughout winter, coming second across six races.
A second place finish in the state championships earned Appleton a spot in the Victorian side, where she rounded out in fifth in the under-15 event at the Junior Road National Championships in September.
In addition to her road cycling exploits, Appleton is an adept mountain biker having produced a top five finish in the Bright-hosted mountain bike nationals in April last year.
“She loves riding her bike, and it is the social aspect of it as well which she enjoys,” Jarrod said.
“Talia has made really good friends who race - seven girls from other clubs around the state once came to Mansfield just to ride socially.”
At only 14, the Mansfield native has a steady list of accomplishments beneath her belt, and next month, she will have the chance to meet her idol.
The Vegemite Kids will be able to chat with Australia’s only Tour de France winner, something Appleton is looking forward to.
“She is really looking forward to meeting Cadel as well as the chance to mingle with some of the other pros,” Jarrod said.
Officially registered as a Union Cycliste Internationale WorldTour event, the race is set to feature cream of the racing crop from various continents, while team Mitchelton-Scott and Australian Cycling Team Kordamentha Real Estate will represent the home nation.
Aside from the main event, cyclists wishing to get in on the action can take part in the Vegemite family ride on Friday, January 31, a 1.6 km circuit before the elite men’s race.
Those looking to register for the ride can do so at www.registernow.com.au/secure/RegistrationType.aspx?E=36349
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