For the first time, Australia will have a cyclist for a prime minister.

That’s not to say some previous prime ministers didn’t use a bike to get around. But in our car-culture society, Tony Abbott is about to become the first leader of our nation who is a bona fide cycling nut – and from day one.

Tip-tap tiptoe: Prime minister-elect Tony Abbott prepares for a ride on Sunday morning. Credit:Kate Geraghty

After a gruelling campaign, a late-night victory speech and a bit of unscripted excitement, Abbott surely had no more than a few hours’ sleep before fronting up for a Sunday morning hit-out. If you’re looking for a good reason to pike on a group ride, being elected prime minister the night before would have to be up there.

Much has been said about the Liberal leader’s fitness fanaticism. Some criticism is surely based on jealousy. He’s in great shape at 55, a poster bloke for an active lifestyle. He proudly wears activity-specific clothing – and yes, folks, that means Spandex and Speedos. Deal with it. Go for a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride and a 42km run - in 14 hours, as he did in 2010 – and then you can scoff.