News
Road

Augustyn plans comeback

By Cycling News

published 8 December 2012

South African recovered from injury

Comments

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Image 1 of 3

John-Lee Augustyn (Barloworld) took off from the breakaway on the final climb.(Image credit: Bettini Photo)

Pro cyclist John-Lee Augustyn (left) and Cyclo Pro/GT representative Andrew Briggs (right) tackle the Slanghoogte climb on the new 106km Classic route for The Herald VW Cycle Tour, which takes place on February 3(Image credit: Coetzee Gouws / Full Stop Communications)

All smiles: John-Lee Augustyn looks cold but happy(Image credit: Richard Moore)

Former Tour de France racer John Lee Augustyn is hoping to make a comeback to pro road racing in 2013 after some time off.

Augustyn looking forward to joining Team Sky

Augustyn and Swift abandon Vuelta as illness strikes Sky

The 26-year-old from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, took the year off to recover from hip surgery following an injury sustained during the Tour of Poland a few years ago.

Augustyn, a former U23 road national champion, is one of only two South Africans to have competed in all three European Grand Tours. He said he had been contacted by several parties and was considering his future options.

As he makes his comeback, Augustyn is planning to race the 28th edition of The Herald VW Cycle Tour in South Africa on February 3.

He previously raced for several pro teams: Utensilnord Named (2012), Sky (2010-2011) and Barloworld (2007-2009).

Readers may remember Augustyn from his spectacular crash, while racing in his first Tour de France in 2008. While among the stage's lead group, Augustyn misjudged a bend and was launched up and over the earthen berm at the edge of the road. He then slid down the loose, rocky slope for 30 metres before coming to a stop on a firm boulder. He was lucky to escape with just minor cuts.