Q&A: Aussie champ Pat Eddy on Nationals glory, leaving the WorldTour, and learning to win again
News & Racing (https://escapecollective.com/tag/news-and-racing/)
After claiming the biggest victory of his career, 23-year-old Victorian Pat Eddy reflects on his journey, looking back at the past few years and forward to the 2026 season.
Image: Cor Vos
You've likely seen or heard about the men's road race at the Australian Road Nationals last weekend. While there was extensive online commentary on Jayco AlUla's tactics in the final lap, less attention has been given to the new Australian champion, Pat Eddy (Team Brennan).
Eddy returns to the Continental level this year after a two-year stint in the WorldTour with Team Picnic-PostNL. He's currently in Adelaide, preparing for the Santos Tour Down Under with the Australian national team, and recently caught up with Escape Collective just days before the race began.
In this interview, Eddy shares his thoughts on his Nationals triumph, his time with Picnic-PostNL, his aspirations to return to the WorldTour, his plans for the upcoming season with Team Brennan, and his expectations for the Tour Down Under. The following transcript has been edited for clarity and flow.
Matt de Neef: How has the past week been for you since the Nationals? I assume you've received a flood of messages?
Pat Eddy: Yes, I've received a lot of messages, and it's been wonderful reconnecting with people I hadn't heard from in a while, as well as meeting new individuals and some of my long-time idols. It's been incredibly rewarding.
It's also been incredibly busy and exhausting at times. I've been buzzing the entire week, and I've had some nights where I barely slept. But it's been an extraordinary experience.
MdN: Have you had a moment to reflect on your achievement, or has your focus been solely on preparing for the Tour Down Under?
PE: I deliberately watched the Nationals replay on Wednesday night to bring the experience to a close, and since then, I've shifted my focus to this week's preparations.
MdN: What were your thoughts on the coverage surrounding Jayco AlUla's strategy in the final laps and the online criticism of Luke Plapp?
PE: I watched the Nationals replay on Wednesday night to bring the experience to a close, and since then, I've shifted my focus to this week's preparations.
PE: I deliberately watched the Nationals replay on Wednesday night to bring the experience to a close, and since then, I've shifted my focus to this week's preparations.
