Jay Vine describes Tour Down Under victory as "something I will remember for the rest of my life"

After claiming overall victory at the recent Santos Tour Down Under in his first race as a UAE Team Emirates rider, Jay Vine admits he is still waiting for it to sink in.

"I have dreamt about cycling on the world stage my entire life, romping home in Grand Tour events across the finish line and standing atop a plethora of podiums around the world," the 27-year-old Australian reveals in a column for The National News. "No matter where my career takes me, this first race victory for the team is something I will remember for the rest of my life."

As mentioned, the Tour Down Under was Vine's first race in the colours of UAE Team Emirates and after two years with Alpecin, the Aussie now believes he has joined the pelotons elite team. "There is no better team in world cycling than UAE Team Emirates, so I’m determined to seize the opportunity to learn and develop as a part of this talented group," Vine explains. " As debuts go, I don’t think I could’ve dreamt it going any better. Home country, home race, and a race victory. The last guy to win this was Richie Porte who was an idol of mine, so to be following in his esteemed footsteps is pretty special."

Looking back on his win, Vine believes the support given to him by his wife was the key to his success. "The role my wife has played in my rise through the ranks has been crucial. It hasn’t always been easy and we’ve faced some tricky moments over the years. I wouldn’t be here without the numerous sacrifices she’s made," he says. "This was as much her victory as it was mine. This was our victory."