I went to the UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup to cheer on the riders with friends. I wasn’t expecting to be handed a microphone and asked to explain WA’s pea gravel, or for my answer to make it onto a global cycling show.
“Are you Australian?” the Global Cycling Network filmmaker asks as we’re walking around Nannup in Western Australia at the UCI Gravel World Championships.
“Yes!” my friend from Brisbane says confidently, while I’m still working out how to answer as an expat Kiwi who isn’t yet an Australian citizen.
“Great,” she says, handing me a microphone. “Look towards him and say something about the pea gravel in WA.”
“Sure,” I say, and make a comment about how it’s basically like riding on marbles.
“That’s perfect!” she beams. “Thank you.”
And just like that, my first micro-interview for a global YouTube show has made the cut.
The episode follows GCN presenters Si and Dan taking on the race, with some beautiful Western Australian scenery along the way. Having followed their training and preparation, it was fun to be there for the event itself, and then spot myself in the coverage.
Funnily enough, it’s actually my third appearance on the show in two months. A couple of friends and I filmed a show opener in Alice Springs after Gravel Muster, then another while spectating at the World Champs. Both made it onto the show too.
We filmed the second one on Folly Hill, where the atmosphere felt like a little slice of the Tour de France: cowbells, cheering spectators and helicopters following the lead riders.
We thought a show opener would be a lovely way to capture the moment. Apparently, the producers agreed.
Not a bad run for a few friends who just went along to cheer.
My pea-gravel cameo on the GCN show
Show openers: from Alice Springs and Folly Hill
