Talented Duo Selected for U23 Development Team
WAIS cyclists Brad Linfield and Rob Power have been included on the 2014 Jayco-AIS World Tour Academy Team that will see them racing around the world as part of Australia’s premiere development road cycling program.
The U23 team is highlighted by pocket rocket Caleb Ewan (NSW) who finished fourth in the under 23 men’s road race at the UCI Road World Championships last September, and claimed the U23 road race and criterium national titles in January.
Also returning in 2014 are Campbell Flakemore (TAS), Bradley Linfield (WA) and Alex Clements (SA), while reigning team pursuit world champions Alex Edmondson (SA) and Alex Morgan (VIC) represent the track endurance element.
New to the team in 2014 is former junior track world champion Miles Scotson (SA) and national time trial silver medallist Harry Carpenter (SA). 18-year-old Robert Power (WA), the youngest member of the squad, joins the team after winning a silver medal in the road race at the national championships.
“The Jayco-AIS World Tour Academy is the latest incarnation of what is arguably the richest single source of cycling talent in the world of cycling,” said Cycling Australia National Performance Director (HPU) Kevin Tabotta.
“Since 1997, it has fostered the development of countless Australian successes at the Olympics, World Championships and also in cycling’s monument events. Simon Gerrans, Michael Matthews, Matthew Goss, Rohan Dennis, Cameron Meyer, Jack Bobridge, Luke Durbridge and Simon Clarke are just a few of the 17 Academy graduates currently in World Tour ranks.
“It’s a privilege for these athletes to be Academy members. It is now up to them to make the most of their opportunities and with the generous investment in the Academy by Jayco and the AIS, we will support them to achieve their goals,” added Tabotta.
Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Director Matt Favier said the program was an important element of our performance pathway for cyclists.
“We continue to see evidence that the Jayco – AIS World Tour Academy is providing Australian athletes with the right systems and expertise to support their international ambitions.
“Supporting emerging talent is critical and this approach provides Australia’s best young riders with an outstanding performance environment.”
Jayco Managing Director Gerry Ryan is pleased to continue working with Cycling Australia and the AIS to provide a pathway for Australia’s most talented young riders to progress into international ranks.
“TheJayco-AIS World Tour Academy is an exciting concept which achieved great results last year – including the continued development of two outstanding young riders, Caleb Ewan and Damien Howson,” said Ryan.
“Jayco is extremely proud of its relationship with Cycling Australia and we wish all members of the 2014 Jayco-AIS World Tour Academy a successful year, what a fantastic opportunity these young riders have.”
Some members of the team will contest the 2014 Oceania Road Championships in Toowoomba, February 21 – 23, before the team embarks on the European road season from early April.
-CyclingAustralia