An Australian journalist, Mia Freedman, was on Aussie tv talking about how she didn't think Cadel Evans, or other sports stars, should be considered heroes - instead other professionals, including doctors, should be described as "heroic" (she also dismissed Evans as someone just "getting paid a lot of money to ride a bike")

Bridie O'Donnell is an Australian cyclist, riding for Top Girls Fassa Bortolo, and is a former doctor, so she has a great perspective on both careers.   This is her open letter to Freedman about why things are not that simple - and why she'd proud to be inspired by Cadel. 

Bridie always writes well - head over and read the background, and what she has to say, for herself.

(Bridie's own site is down - it's usually here - and will be back up soon - so this is hosted on the fantastic Cycling Tips blog, which everyone should have bookmarked anyway!)