Australian champion cyclist Chris Sutton, affectionately known as CJ throughout his illustrious career, has joined his uncle, Phill Bates AM as manager of Bates Bikes Carlton.
Sutton has been one of St George Cycling Clubs professional stars for more than 12 years after victories in National titles and winning medals at World Junior Championships.
Sutton turned Professional competing with French team Cofidis for two years before moving to Slipstream in 2008. He then signed for six years with the number one team in the World, Great Britain's Team Sky in 2010.
CJ’s career victories were many including stage wins in the Giro d’Italia and the Tour of Spain as well as the final stage of the Tour Down Under in 2010.
Racing around the world, he amassed many great wins, none better than the Belgium one day classic Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne.
In 2010 he joined a select few to compete for Australia at the Commonwealth Games, helping Allan Davis to a gold medal victory whilst taking a well deserved fourth placing himself. Both his father Gary and uncle Shane have both won gold medals in previous Commonwealth Games.
Chris Sutton has ridden close to a million kilometres and his wealth of knowledge learnt over time from his champion father, recognised as one of the finest coaches in the World today, and Gary’s brother Shane, has placed Chris in the ideal position to assist people of all ages keen on using the bicycle for racing or recreational use.
Chris said he was keen to continue in the sport that has given him so much and what better way to do this than to help people choose the right bike, give advice and ensure that the decisions they make are in their best interests.
“Phill, is one of the most recognised cycling stalwarts in the game with the family run shop now in its 99th year” Chris said
“It is a fabulous time to join with family and to see in the 100th year of the bike shop, which started in 1920 at 145 Forest Road, Hurstville. Owned by Bruce Ford, the shop was purchased by Phill’s father Ron Bates in the 1950’s followed by his son Brad in the late 1980’s and now with Phill Bates for the past 28 years.”
The shop was in Forest Road Hurstville for 93 years before moving six years to the Princes Highway, Carlton – opposite St George Leagues Club.
Phill Bates AM, a life member of St George Cycling, NSW Cycling, Cycling Australia as well as Sport NSW, has been one of the longest serving administrators of the sport and staged the biggest cycling event of the eastern seaboard for 19 years, the Commonwealth Bank Cycle Classic.
“We are extremely appreciative to have Chris head our team, as he has some great ideas to assist customers with training programs and advice. Chris is a very approachable and I am sure that customers will appreciate his honesty and integrity.” Bates said