TOUR Jai, like many Australian riders, you were absent from the national championships at the start of the year. Why was that?
HINDLEY It's a race that I really like. But I hadn't planned to start this year - given the current travel restrictions, it wouldn't have been possible anyway. That was probably the reason why many other pros weren't at the start.
How did you personally experience the travel restrictions during the pandemic?
Like many Aussies living abroad, I haven't been home since the start of the pandemic, since February 2020. It's been a long time and the years have been frustrating, with attempts to return but not being able to - due to several cancelled flights and entry restrictions. It was hard for me personally not seeing my family for two years. At least I'm lucky that my girlfriend is here with me in Europe and I have a close circle of friends who support me. But I will keep trying to get back to Perth.
It's hard not seeing your family for two years
How did you experience the case of tennis player Novak Djokovic, who wanted to enter the Australian Open unvaccinated in contravention of the current rules and took his case all the way to the Supreme Court?
It was of course frustrating to follow the Djokovic case. It looks like he didn't respect the rules that Australia had set.
The Road World Championships will take place in Wollongong, Australia, in September. What are your plans?
I think the race will be extremely tough, probably tougher than many people initially thought. It will definitely be a very offensive race - and I would love to be there. It would be great to contest an elite world championship for Australia on home soil. But I think we'll have to wait and see what happens.
Andreas Kublik
Editor
