That engine was a marvel to watch at full gas, particularly on the track in 2011 when the then 21-year-old smashed Chris Boardman's long-standing 4000m world record for the individual pursuit at the track national championships in Sydney.
His career was repeatedly throttled by bouts of rheumatoid arthritis and while he was clearly class, the illness eventually took its toll.
“Since the (Rio) Games and backing off the training and racing load I’ve found my arthritis has been 100 per cent better and I’ve been able to get off all meds (medication) as well,” he told the Adelaide Advertiser.
“There’s pain in my feet, hands and my back. When you get the flare ups your body is fighting it and a Grand Tour is hard enough as it is.
“Obviously I love the bike, the racing and the lifestyle, but I’ve got a two-year-old (daughter) now and I could drag on for three or four years but come 40 or 50 the damage it’s going to do and the arthritis in my body ... I don’t see sport is worth it.
“I’ve had a good career, I’ve got good results and done Comm Games, Olympics and worlds, road and track, I’ve lived a good life in Europe and to me the decision is pretty easy, and since I made it I haven’t thought twice about it.
A former South Australian, Bobridge has already transitioned to a new life in Western Australia and will soon open a fitness centre with cycling as a feature.
Bobridge ended his road career wearing national champion stripes. Source: Getty
“I’m going from being an athlete and being coached to the other side and trying to help other people reach their goals,” Bobridge said.
The current Australian road national champion leaves the sport with a cabinet full of memories including four world championship titles, two Olympic silver medals and four Commonwealth Games gold medals in a competitive career spanning a decade.
