By Helena Adeloju
A mutual obsession has sparked an international friendship between a Kooweerup resident and the host of television show the Amazing Race.
Andrew Slade’s obsession with 1928 Australasian team, which competed in the Tour de France, is obscure but it has made it all the way to the big screen and scored the Kooweerup Historical Society a film credit.
New Zealand television personality Phil Keoghan, best known for hosting the U.S. version of The Amazing Race, shares Mr Slade’s obsession with that team, which included New Zealand rider Harry Watson.
His interest led him to produce the film Le Ride which recreates the 1928 adventure of the Australasian team.
Mr Slade, who is a member of the Kooweerup Historical Society, said his obsession began when he first saw a photo of the team hanging on the wall in the Kooweerup Historical Society Museum, and developed a particular interest in home-grown talent Percy Osborn.
Percy Osborn is regarded as Kooweerup’s greatest sports person of all time and was a member of the first English speaking team to compete in the Tour de France.
Osborn registered several high placing finishes in professional races throughout Australia, before leading Melbourne newspapers and business entrepreneurs hatched a plan to send an Australian team to the Tour de France.
“The story of the Australian team’s participation in the 1928 is a fantastic one,” Mr Slade said.
“It is one of courage and performance at the highest sporting standard.”
In true ANZAC spirit, the Australasia team punched well above its weight while at a severe disadvantage.
The fledgling team had vastly inferior bikes and lacked international experience, not to mention that the team of four was up against European teams which averaged 10 riders each.
“Under great adversity, Percy competed every day of the 22 stages,” Mr Slade said.
Osborn’s efforts in acting as a lead rider made it possible for his teammate Hubert Opperman to finish in 18th place.
In December 2014 Phil and Andrew’s paths crossed when Phil’s wife and documentary producer Louise Keoghan called Andrew to request historic images and photos of Percy Osborn. The next thing Andrew knew he was speaking with Phil himself.
Fast forward to Wednesday 1 February 2017 and Andrew and Phil met in person at Le Ride’s official Australian launch at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Melbourne.
Andrew said it was great to stay in touch with Phil and Louise based on their mutual passion.
Phil Keogan has organised a special showing of the Le Ride film at the closest cinema to Kooweerup as a favour to the town.
The film will be shown at Karingal Village cinema on Sunday 23 April at 4pm.
To book tickets visit: tickets.demand.film/event/1622.
