Benson Urges Cyclists to Take Next Step

Following Australia’s dominant performance at this year’s UCI Track World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, WAIS head coach Darryl Benson has urged his WAIS charges to keep focused on a bigger prize. Olympic glory in 2012.

The Australian Cyclones suffered a dramatic downturn in fortunes at the last Olympics in Beijing, with Anna Meares silver medal the most our track proud nation had to show for four years of preparation following a huge haul at Athens in 2004.

Great Britain had stolen a march on the track cycling world with names like Sir Chris Hoy and Lady Victoria Pendleton becoming household names in their native land, with the lure of a home Olympiad in London in 2012 burning bright.

WAIS athletes however, have led a revival in Australian track cycling efforts, with three athletes crowned world champions in the wash up from the March showpiece.

WAIS-AIS endurance rider Cameron Meyer provided evidence in 2009 of Australia’s next generation of talent, by winning the points race in Poland. He not only retained his points score rainbow jersey – with a purely dominant ride which included twice lapping the field – but claimed three world titles after riding fourth wheel in Australia’s team pursuit success and combining with Leigh Howard to decimate the competition in the madison.

WAIS-AIS cyclists Sarah Kent and Josie Tomic are no strangers to one another. The talented duo have risen through the ranks together, through junior, U23 and senior, for state and country and rode the race of their young lives in winning the team pursuit world title alongside NSW athlete Ashley Ankudinoff in Denmark.

For Tomic it was a second world crown, having won the omnium in 2009. For Kent it was a first, and with Travis Meyer (WAIS-AIS) and Scott Sunderland (AIS-WAIS) also competing in Copenhagen, WA has produced a youthful core of talent pushing Australia on towards success in London.

WAIS mentor Darryl Benson however, is careful to point-out that nothing can be taken for granted, and knows the world is now on notice, with the target sign pinned to the backs of Australia’s track cyclists.

“The results from Copenhagen were very pleasing from an Australian perspective, and fantastic from a WAIS point of view,” Benson said.

“But the level of competition has stepped up from last year and it will step up again. Now that the Olympic format of events has been decided, you will find that athletes will start to prepare for London and it will get harder,” he said.

Benson’s point is particularly pertinent considering Meyer’s pet event – the points score – has been cut from the Olympic schedule, whilst the omnium has been moved in.

“It’s going to be a real struggle for positions just within the Australian team,” Benson predicted.

Six riders were in contention for Australia’s team pursuit squad of four, whilst fellow WAIS athlete Luke Durbridge was the last man cut from the World Champ squad, with the endurance events also being his niche.

And whilst such high standards internally points as justification as to why Australia succeeded in Copenhagen, there is no guarantee any rider is assured a position. Ironically it was Leigh Howard (Meyer’s madison partner) who made way following qualifying for Meyer to ride in the gold medal clash with Great Britain.

“Cam was lucky to get a ride,” Benson said. “You know there is going to be six or more riders going for those four positions, it really will be cut throat and nothing will be taken for granted.

What can’t be overstated however is the significance of the achievements that this group returned.

“For Cam to win three gold medals and for WAIS to have two of the three girls in the team pursuit is simply outstanding,” said Benson – who has played a significant part in each athlete’s development.

“It’s good reward for their focused efforts throughout the last 12 months.”