Simon Benz Anna Wilson

This portrait by Simon Benz of cyclist Anna Wilson was a finalist in the Daily Telegraph Sporting Portrait Prize, held in conjunction with the Archibald Prize 2000.

Anna Wilson is one of Australia’s leading cyclists – the current national road champion and a World Cup silver medallist, who was named Australian Cyclist of the Year. She is also a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and a Tour de France stage winner.

Born in Sydney in 1969, Benz grew up in Alice Springs. He is interested in cycling so when there was a series of races near his current home in Victoria, he approached Wilson to paint her portrait. Benz decided to paint her in her cycling clothes with her bike. 'For a household name you could leave those things out.’