The 16-year-old’s efforts are all the more remarkable as he was competing against athletes of many countries who are already on development programs for professional teams.
For six weeks Max was in Belgium at the Flandrien Hotel and Cycling Center. It is Belgium’s foremost lodging for international riders and teams who want to compete in cycling events in Flanders.
Local young cycling talent Max Holgate achieved ten top-10 results in Belgium recently.
The Flandrien has a full spectrum of services for riders and their families, teams and fans.
Max’s 16 races of some 70kms with different circuits including some narrow, rough, cobblestone roads were against 80 to 128 rivals from countries including England, Ireland, France, Italy, Israel, Denmark and China.
The Year 10 Goulburn Valley Grammer student and Cobram Barooga Cycling Club member finished with four second and two third podium placings. Two other boys of Max’s age group from Melbourne also raced in Belgium, with one claiming two third placings.
“Getting a podium finish is massive,” extremely proud Mum Lauren of Mulwala Bakery said.
“Max loved the whole trip. It was great experience. He has hopes and aspirations.”
Max’s father Dean Holgate accompanied him in Belgium and along with Dean’s dad John Holgate, was also extremely proud of his son.
John played a big role in introducing his grandson to cycling at age 11 and naturally is involved with his progress.
John said Max was headed for a win in one race when bad luck occurred to his Italian-made carbon bike.
“Max was leading with just a kilometre to go when he copped a puncture,” John said.
Apart from racing at international level in Belgium, Max attended a cycling school.
Highly rated coach Hilton Clarke OAM believes the Belgium trip’s racing and schooling will assist Max enormously with his cycling career and life in general.
Mr Clarke, former Australian cyclist and multi-cycling coach for over 40 years, was most impressed with Max’s performances.
“With results like this Max is sure to be one of Australia’s top talents of the future,” he told the Yarrawonga Chronicle.
“Results like this are incredibly impressive for his first experience of racing in Flanders. He achieved these results while riding as an individual, up against some of the strongest youth teams in Belgium.”
Hilton Clarke has coached cyclists in over 250 Australian and world championships, including VIS Sprint and endurance coach, Australian National Talent ID Sprint, Carnegie Caulfield Cycling Victoria Club Track and Road.
Unbelievable talent – coach
“I know talent when I see it, Max has unbelievable talent for his age,” Clarke said.
“He is a very dedicated cyclist who puts many hours weekly into training programs, fitness, racing and travelling. Also, he has the backing of his parents 100 per cent.”
For the past 18 months, Max has represented Victoria Cycling and has many achievements in that short time, including Under 15 Victorian State champion, being part of the state’s team at national level in 2022 and 2023 Victorian State Under 17 champion.
Max was Under 17, 2023 Victorian state Champion in Madison and Under 15 Victoria state road champion. He has attended the Victoria Cycling Academy, is an Albury Wodonga Junior Champion and a Bendigo junior series races winner. He is also a Cobram Barooga Club champion and Riverina Series Champion.
As part of the Flandrien Scholarship Program Jamie Anderson and Bernard Moerman work towards instilling the Flandrien Spirit in visiting athletes which included Max Holgate who stayed at the centre.
“It was just wonderful hosting a young man who hails from the same rural area where I grew up as a kid,” Mr Anderson said.
“The Flandrien spirit, deeply rooted in the cycling culture of Belgium, is a source of inspiration and strength for cyclists competing in races within the region. This unique spirit encompasses resilience, grit, determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
“Bernard and I had many wonderful conversations with Max and his father Dean Holgate about what it takes to be successful in races in Belgium, and we did everything we could to provide the father and son with a ‘home away from home’ during their stay with us.”
Jamie and Bernard were “incredibly impressed” by the strong work ethic and commitment of Max.
“We observed a young man who not only has the physical capabilities to succeed at the highest level, but also the mental fortitude and tactical intelligence to achieve great results,” Jamie said.
“Having Max stay with us was an absolute delight. He is a young man with a quiet and calm disposition, always ready to roll up his sleeves to chip in and help.”
The Holgate family greatly appreciates the sponsorship support of Cobram Barooga Cycling Club, MCT (Murray Crawford Training), Davis Plastering, Kennedy Builders and Lakeal Pty Ltd.
There are plenty of cycling events ahead for Max, including the Victorian Titles in August at Glenrowan and the Australian titles at Dookie in September.