Page turner: Author and journalist Rachel Syers with her new book about Sir Bruce Small, which looks at his friendship with Rochester legend Sir Hubert ‘Oppy’ Opperman.
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Journalist-turned-author Rachel Syers explores the friendship of Hubert Opperman and Sir Bruce Small in her new book celebrating the bike brand Malvern Star, which was made famous by the duo.
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Hubert ‘Oppy’ Opperman was born in Rochester on May 29, 1904, and Sir Bruce Small was born in Ryde, NSW, in 1895.
After two years of hard work, Mrs Syers is thrilled to have the book in stores finally.
“The book contains over 260 photos, including never-seen snapshots from the first Australian team to ride in the Tour de France in 1928 and again in 1931, in which Bruce Small was the manager,” Mrs Syers said.
In her research, Mrs Syers discovered Oppy developed a deep bond with Rochester later in life.
“What I found so touching was the town’s connection with Oppy in his later years.
“It was lovely being able to share Peter’s stories of the opening of the Opperman Sports Museum and Oppy becoming so emotional at the unveiling of his statue in 1994 for his 90th birthday, with thousands of people attending, all due to the Rochester community having so much heart for their famous cycling son.”
Lots to cover: The stunning cover for Rachel Syers’ highly-anticipated official biography of the iconic Australian entrepreneur, visonary and ground-breaking politician, the late Sir Bruce Small.
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www.coralseamedia.com.au
Sir Bruce Small is considered the cycling soulmate to the Rochester-born icon ‘Oppy’.
Sir Bruce guided Oppy’s career to international greatness in France and the UK and made the bicycle brand Malvern Star a household name.
The book also discusses Oppy’s life and birth in Rochester and how he met Sir Bruce, with the two eventually travelling around Australia.
“I trust those who are familiar with Oppy’s star status in Australian cycling will especially enjoy reading the personal stories of Bruce and Oppy’s travels around Australia and the world, including exclusive interviews I held with Oppy’s only son Ian Opperman before he passed away in 2020,” Mrs Syers said.
Luckily for Mrs Syers, Oppy’s son Ian provided an incredible insight into the bike champion and friendship with Sir Bruce, and he supplied her with documents and photo albums for the book.
Legends: (From left) European cycling champion Reg Arnold, Australian cycling icon Hubert ‘Oppy’ Opperman and Gold Coast Mayor Bruce Small ride their Malvern Stars for a promotional photo at the 1969 Australian Schoolboys Cycling Championship, held on Isle of Capri which Sir Bruce developed on the Gold Coast.
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www.coralseamedia.com.au
Oppy would later turn his sporting prowess to become a politician and then a diplomat.
Sir Bruce Small: From Malvern Star to Mr Gold Coast is in book stores in December and online at www. sirbrucesmall.com.au
The soft cover RRP is $49.95, and the hard cover RRP is $69.95.
