Bobridge was set to ride in this year’s Tour Down Under, but as reported last Thursday on barossaherald.com.au, the 22-year-old had to withdraw after a crash in the National Road race titles in Victoria last Tuesday.

Jack was also unable to attend the sod-turning ceremony of the shared cycling and walking path to link Tanunda and Gawler, which has been named in his honour.

Kahl Bobridge, Jack’s father and manager, was at the ceremony and said Jack was extremely honoured and humbled to have the new track named after him.

Bobridge said his son had been cleared of any broken bones from the crash, but was still suffering ligament damage and is now focusing on keeping his fitness.

“He has got a lot coming up, he has the Australian track titles and within a week of that he has to fly to London for the World Cup, then he will come back and prepare for the world titles in early April, where he will defend his two world titles,” Bobridge snr said.

“He is very disappointed he couldn’t ride in the tour and he would have loved to be here today.

“This is where he first started training and basically grew up in his older years, so he was a bit disappointed, but he is tough and he will get over it.

“I am sure he will be back for the opening when the track is finished.”

From Tanunda, the track goes past Jacobs Creek Visitor Centre, through Rowland Flat and Lyndoch, and from there it follows the rail corridor towards Gawler, before joining up with the Tapa Pariara (Gawler Urban Rivers shared path).

The track will cost $5.44million to build, with $4.81million of that coming from the Federal Government.

Member for Wakefield Nick Champion said the path would not only be good for local people, but also become another draw card for tourism in the region.

“Ultimately, if we can get some big loops around the local area, that will be a big benefit not just to locals getting out on their bikes, but also to regional tourism, which is really a big economic driver,” Mr Champion said.

Barossa mayor Brian Hurn said the track will encourage cyclists to visit and stay in Gawler, the Barossa Valley and other places along the extended cycleway.

“It will provide a tremendous platform for new investment in experiences including food and wine tourism facilities along the way,” he said.

Mr Hurn said the Barossa will soon be recognised as one of Australia’s most cycle friendly regions.

The Jack Bobridge Track is set to be completed by December this year.