WAIS launches redesigned Cycling Program to strengthen pathway and build on Western Australian cycling legacy
The Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) and AusCycling are delighted to announce the relaunch of the WAIS Cycling Program to build on the strong Western Australian cycling legacy.
Operating in partnership with AusCycling, the WAIS Cycling Program is aligned with the new AusCycling High-Performance Strategy and Structure – Endurance, Acceleration and Action.
The WAIS program will operate an endurance focused program for track, road and mountain bike athletes, providing athletes access to the WAIS High Performance Service Centre, with additional facilities at the Perth SpeedDome, operated by VenuesWest.
Athletes across acceleration and action (track sprint and BMX Racing and Freestyle) disciplines will be supported with individual athlete scholarships for nationally categorised riders, and through a camps-based model.
Scholarship athletes will have access to expert coaching and support services including medical, nutrition, wellbeing, physical preparation, physiotherapy and psychology.
AusCycling will connect WAIS scholarship holders with professional cyclists through education sessions to support their development and prepare them for national and professional team opportunities.
The program aims to continue the strong history of Western Australia cycling, with WAIS supported athletes including 2022 Giro d’Italia winner Jai Hindley, dual Olympic Champion Ryan Bayley, nine-time world champion Cameron Meyer, team pursuit world champions and world record holders Melissa Hoskins and Peter Dawson, dual Olympic medallist and world record holder Sam Welsford and three-time Olympian in BMX Lauren Reynolds.
Four Western Australian athletes Matt Richardson, Conor Leahy, Luke Zaccaria and Luke Durbridge, all graduates from the WAIS program will represent Australia at the Commonwealth Games starting next week.
Steve Lawrence, WAIS Chief Executive Officer said, “WA has a long and proud history in the sport of cycling. We are excited to partner with AusCycling in this redesigned program that will provide the opportunity for talented cyclists across all disciplines to follow their sporting dreams.
“We look forward to working with the WA cycling community to build stronger performance pathways and to celebrating our future champions.”
Marne Fechner, AusCycling Chief Executive Officer said, “Western Australia has a history of producing incredible cyclists, and AusCycling’s partnership with WAIS will allow us to continue finding and nurturing that talent to the national level and beyond.
“Between bringing world-class events to WA, supporting young riders through our new junior development academies, and reinvigorating our partnership with WAIS, we are excited about the role that AusCycling is playing to grow cycling and riding in WA.
“Thriving clubs, clear pathways for athletes, coaches and officials, along with local heroes are central to our future success. It’s partnerships like this that will enable more West Australians to realise their full potential as bike riders.”
In the next two weeks WAIS and AusCycling will commence an extensive recruitment process for a Head Coach.