The first pro stage race of the year, the Tour Down Under, has wrapped up. As I have done for the previous few years, I headed over for a week of awesome riding in the Adelaide Hills. Unlike other years though, this year it was “sans-work” due to the recent sell-off of FulGaz by Ironman to Rouvy.
Mike (founder of FulGaz) and I both booked Tour Down Under trips on our own dollar, knowing it would be a good opportunity to “pedal it out” and also connect with others in the industry to see what other opportunities were out there.
When my final day at FulGaz concluded, there was no real closure. No phone call or email from The Ironman Group to say thanks for your service, no reaching out to see if I needed anything, Ironman didn’t even acknowledge my existence, nothing. The entire process was quite literally a single ten-minute video call from Ironman’s Matthieu Van Veen where he said “we’ve sold FulGaz and your position is no longer required.” Then on my final day, my work email and logins were deactivated at 4pm. Then, nothing…
Having this trip to the Tour Down Under was my closure. An opportunity to crank out some miles with Mike and chat about how were were both doing.
Summer sunshine! Rolling along Adelaide Gorge, back towards the city.
We soon settled into our usual TdU routine of a solid morning ride before the heat, watching the day’s stage on the TV in our air conditioned hotel room, then heading into the Event Village to check out the stalls and chat with old industry friends.
This year I entered the Adelaide Epic 85km event. This was fairly challenging ride with big climb to kick off, rolling roads throughout, and an uphill finish into Uraidla.
Starting just out of town, it was a short neutral section before we were let loose at the base of Norton Summit. After picking my way past the slower climbers and cresting Norton, it was just a matter of trying to push as hard as I could on the (now shorter, but steeper) climbs while trying to recover as best I could on the descents. There were zero flat sections!
I gave this event a good crack and was pretty pleased with how I rode. I made a couple of tactical mistakes and learned a few things along the way. While it’s not a “race” the event is timed and many of the riders go full tilt! I was pretty stoked to finish 11th overall.
Too soon…? 😂
Will I go back to the Tour Down Under next year? I hope so. I am not sure what the coming months have in store for me, but I really do hope I can continue to go. The riding in the Adelaide Hills is something you really have to experience, and thousands of seasoned roadies from all over Australia fly in for the week to be a part of the event.
It really is one of my favourite weeks of the year.
Two Wheels with TC 
It sounds like Fulgaz employees were treated abysmally by The Ironman Group during this divestment.
Very best wishes for bigger and better things to come.
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Thanks. Onto the next thing I guess! 🙂
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A fine way to finish your time in that job. All the best on the next chapter!
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We’ve enjoyed our past trips to the Tour Down Under. Hope you soon find another challenging and interesting role.
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That reflects very badly on the Ironman Group. Although the middle distance triathlon I did last year is often referred to as a half Ironman, I’m pleased I didn’t put any cash in the Ironman pocket. Terrific performance in the Adelaide Epic.
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Hey Klem, I cant thank you enough for your help and assistance during nearly 8 years as a Fulgaz subscriber. Its been greatly appreciated and I have never heard a bad word spoken about you , just everyone saying how great you have been.
Fulgaz has clearly been the best and most realistic cycling app out there in my and many people’s opinions and the quality of 4K rides has been brilliant.
It is disgusting the way Ironman has treated the Fulgaz staff and how little regard they have had for Fulgaz and its loyal riding subscribers.
As soon as heard the news I tossed my virtual Ironman medal in the bin I will have nothing to do with Ironman ever again. Even their logo I find insulting.
I just hope that you and the rest of the Fulgaz staff have doors opened to you in the future that are really good. You all deserve that.
You are right about the TDU, it is a great trip.
All the very best and I look towards reading your blogs well into the future.
Cheers Pete
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They have to change the name from Ironman to Ironcoward.
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Boy, that sounds harsh! Complete disrespect towards the Fulgaz staff! I’m glad you were able to create your own farewell party and 11th is damn good 👌
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It’s been rough!
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Hi TC. Sorry to hear about your exit from FulGaz (or FulGaz’s exit from you!). I hope you get fixed up with something cycling based soon. I visited the the Adelaide Hills several years ago – but the trip was more about drinking wine than cycling! It’s a beautiful part of the world.
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Certainly no shortage of great wineries out there too! Maybe I’ll head back for a scenic wine tour some time.
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