WAIS Gen Next Headed For Olympic Festival

Ten of the 14 Australian track cyclists who contested the 2012 Olympic Games in London, including Anna Meares, had one of their first experiences of international competition at an Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF).

The next generation of Australian cyclists begin their quest for senior Olympic glory at the sixth AYOF, held from 16 – 20 January 2013 in Sydney.

Cycling Australia has picked a 24-member team for the track sprint and endurance events to be held at the Dunc Gray Velodrome, also used for the 2000 Olympic Games.

Included in that squad, are WAIS athletes; Sam Welsford, Reece Tucknott, Kelsey Robson Elissa Wundersitz and Tian Beckett.

Two-time Olympic champion Meares dominated the boards at the inaugural AYOF in 2001, while London 2012 teammates Josephine Tomic and Annette Edmondson shone at the 2007 and 2009 editions respectively.

Leading the Australian team next January will be the reigning junior world champion duo of Zac Shaw and Kelsey Robson, both 17.

Victoria’s Shaw won gold in the one kilometre time trial and bronze in the sprint at the 2012 UCI Junior Track World Championships in New Zealand last August, while West Australia’s Robson claimed both the individual pursuit and team pursuit events.

The team also includes some younger stars including Jack Edwards, 16, of New South Wales and Victoria’s Courtney Field, 15, who dominated their respective events at the Australian Junior Track National Championships in March.

While the event is on home soil, invited nations Belgium, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand and the United States will provide a stern test for the Australian team.

The first event of the 2013 AYOF track cycling program begins on Thursday, January 17.

– Cycling Australia