West Australian Jai Hindley has etched his name into cycling history, becoming the first Australian to win the Giro d’Italia.

It was redemption for the 26-year-old from Perth who came second in 2020.

Hindley finished the Tour event by 1 minute and 18 seconds ahead of pre-race favourite Richard Carapaz.

Andrew Jackson, who coached Hindley at the WA Institute of Sport, told Gareth Parker on 6PR Breakfast that his determination was always evident.

“Probably minimum, the most talented athlete we have ever seen come through Western Australia,” he said.

“But certainly had a work ethic that I don’t think you’d measure by against any others,

“Jai was always that young man that was doing that little bit extra.”

Tap PLAY to hear the former WAIS coach and James Buchanan, president of the Midland Cycle Club (Jai Hindley’s junior club).

Tom McCracken who rode with Hindley from a young age told Steve Mills on Millsy at Midday that they are a product of Cadel Evan’s generation.

“We saw Cadel win his Tour de France and win the world championships and we were born and bred on that era of Australian cycling coming through,” he said.

“So now Jai in a way, he is that next generation.”

Tap PLAY to hear if Hindley will ride in the Tour de France and what WA should do to celebrate his win.

Simon Gerrans, a former Australian cycling star and SBS commentator, told Parker that it was a huge achievement for the cyclist.

“What Jai just achieved, he won the equivalent of the French Open,” he explained.

“This is an absolute massive feat in sport,

“Beside Cadel Evans winning the Tour de France back in 2011, this is the next biggest thing anybody has done as an Australian cyclist.”

Press PLAY to hear the full chat on how Jai won and what’s next for his cycling career.