Alex Cudlin celebrates the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team’s 13th WEC title win at Le Mans.

Alex Cudlin rates his role in the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team’s (SERT) 13th World Endurance Championship (WEC) win as one one of the top moments of his decorated career.

Cudlin joined SERT as a reserve rider for 2013 and had consigned himself to the fact he may spend the duration of last weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans on the sidelines before full-time rider Anthony Dehalle was ruled out days prior due to a practice crash injury.

The Aussie was thrust into a pivotal role as part of the three-rider lineup but the team’s aim of a race win went awry early in the piece when leader Vincent Philippe crashed in the opening stages of his stint.

Extensive repairs followed, including a full rebuild of the engine, sending SERT back out to circulate some 79 laps off the lead of the race.

A calculated performance saw the outfit make back the required places to confirm the 2013 title by a minimal points margin.

“What an amazing race,” said Cudlin. “Physically it was okay – as much as a 24 hour race can be – but the stresses of the crashes and the resulting problems made the event very tough.

“I was first out on the bike after the cylinder head swap, so that was a bit nerve-wracking, but the team was so inspirational in that they simply refused to give up, so we just got on with the job.”

The Aussie rider held his own in his respective stints and was proud to be handed the role of bringing home the SERT machine to confirm the team’s 13th title.

“I was extremely honoured to be asked to ride the final stint to take the chequered flag,” he added.

“Crossing the line, knowing the team were again world champions and knowing I played an integral role in that outcome rates as one of the top highlights of my career – it’s a moment to tell the grandkids about.”

The New South Welshman is hopeful of a continued role within the SERT ranks in 2014 and was eager to announce his plans for next year.

“I’m so pleased to be able to ride for SERT – they are so professional, so dedicated to winning and I would love to continue with them into the future,” he continued.

“I will have my 2014 race plans finalised in the coming weeks, and I hope to stay a part of the SERT family.”