The Flying Doctor was proud to support the first event of the UCI World Tour calendar, the 2023 Tour Down Under in a medical support capacity.
As part of the multidisciplinary TDU medical team, the RFDS provided medics Dr Neil Thomson and Dr Ryan Breslin to support the professional cycling teams on the road throughout the event.
The RFDS clinicians provided the ‘motorbike medic’ role within the tour peloton, responding to any incidents during each race stage to ensure the health and safety of the riders.
In addition to their roles as RFDS Retrieval Doctors, Neil has previously been involved in road cycling races at the 2012 London Olympics, while Ryan has experience providing medical support for motorsport events.
“We were proud to take up the opportunity to provide medical support to the Tour Down Under for the first time,” said RFDS Central Operations Chief Executive, Tony Vaughan ASM.
“Our involvement in the event is another example of the Flying Doctor’s extension of care and desire to contribute more broadly to health care in South Australia.
“The Flying Doctor looks forward to further involvement in this major event for South Australia in future years.”
Signed merchandise up for grabs
To cap off the Flying Doctor’s involvement, seven professional riders from the Astana Qazaqstan Team signed the RFDS 'Medic' helmet as well as a rider’s jersey, which will be up for grabs as a packaged auction item at the RFDS 'Wings for Life' Gala Ball in May.
Cycling fans, stay tuned!
