Hubert+Opperman

Hubert Opperman was born on the 29th of May, 1904 in Rocherser. He was a born cyclist, as he first began cycling at the age of 8. Growing up his father was a coach driver, timber cutter, butcher and miner. Throughout his life he was always interested in bicycles, and delivered the local telegrams by bicycle. In 1921 at age 17 he came third in a cycling race, as a result of this he was given a brand new Malvern star bike and offered a role in the cycling business. Bruce Small who was so impressed with Opperman’s ability and he was the one who offered him this role and made them both household names.Opperman then went on to win the Australian Road Titles in 1924 at age 20, he won this event again in 1926, 1927 and 1929. But his biggest event yet was in 1928 when he went to Europe for the Tour De France after money was raised to send a team. His team consisted of Percy Osborne also from Australia, and Harry Watson and Erinie Bainbridge from New Zealand. Here he competed in the 6 day event at the veledrome d'Hiver, Paris. Opperman took this opportunity to make his mark overseas. At age 21 Opperman commonly known as Oppy, had already had numerous successes. The famous Warrnambool to Melbourne Classic, also known as the Blue Ribbon, he had one three times and being the fastest rider three times in the Goulbourn to Sydney classic. A proud moment for Oppy was in 1931 when he became the best endurance cyclist in the world after beating a team of European riders. Unfortunately in 1939 during WW2 Oppy joined the R.A.A.F where he soon rose to Commissioned rank. His Cycling career was put on hold for a few years, Oppy’s life out of cycling was in politics, he was the Victorian Electorate of Corio, he had this role for 17 years whilst Robert Menzies was Prime Minister. He was appointed Australia’s first High Commission to Malta in 1967. In 1972 he settled into retired life in Melbourne but shortly 5 years later in 1977 wrote a biography named “pedals, politics and people”. Ironically Opperman died on an exercise bike aged 90. Before then he had been living in a retirement -home. **__Bibliography__** Wikipedia, (2011), “Hupert Ooperman”, retrieved 30th of May [] || ||
 * **__Hubert Opperman__**