Baden Cooke was born in Benalla, Victoria, Australia on 12 October, 1978. He is an Australian professional racing cyclist on the UCI Professional Continental circuit.
Cooke began competitive cycling at 11yrs. He completed secondary school at Galen College in Wangaratta, Victoria. His professional career began with the Mercury team in 2000.
Baden Cooke’s contract came about through Saxo Bank Directeur Sportif and fellow Australian Bradley McGee.
Cooke did not have any wins in 2009 season for Team Vacansoleil and only three the previous year, but hopes to change that as he believes that his best years are ahead.
Bjarne Riis, Saxo Bank Manager and former European champion cyclist said recently, "Baden is a very exciting rider that we can expect much from; I believe the team can help him develop to a new level and I have no doubt that he would be a definite benefit to our troupe for the Classics."
Cooke turned pro in 2000 with the US-based Mercury Cycling Team. From 2002 to 2005 he rode for Francaise des Jeux, before joining Unibet.com for two seasons. In 2008 he rode for Barloworld and this year for Saxo Bank.
In his long career, Cooke won the 2003 Green Points Jersey at the Tour de France, as well as a stage win that year. He has also won stages in the Tour Down Under, the Peace Race, the Tour de Suisse, the Tour de Pologne and the Tour Méditerranéen.
