Meyer Relishing Worlds Return
WA cyclist Cameron Meyer has spoken of his passion for world championship track cycling as he and Sam Welsford prepare to wear the green and gold of Australia at the 2017 titles in Hong Kong.
The six-time track world champion left Australia on Wednesday ahead of the April championships and said that competing against the world’s best was comparable with any other highlight he’s achieved over a distinguished career in the sport.
“The rainbow jersey is very special to me, my first big track success was winning a World Championship back in 2009 and to wear the rainbow colours for an entire year – it does not get much better,” he said.
Hong Kong is set to be a busy campaign for the Helena Valley 29 year-old, with Meyer locked in for the men’s Madison and points race, whilst he is also part of the men’s endurance squad that could see him join reigning track world champion Sam Welsford in the team pursuit.
Meyer’s first world title, came a year after he rode a superb points race for fourth place at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in China. He has also donned the national kit for his country at Commonwealth level and Meyer believes the Worlds are an experience as special as anything he has ventured into at the elite level.
“I know the Olympic and Commonwealth Games are seen as the pinnacle, but to be the best in the world and wear the colours of a world champion to me means just as much.”
The Australian team will also be under the watch of new High Performance Director Simon Jones for the first time since his appointment in February, with the former Team Sky staff member looking to build a formidable Australian track program ahead of the next Olympic Games.
“Any world championships is important, there are not many world championships between now and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games,” he said.
“They are a great opportunity for everyone to learn all around, to network, and understand about what the landscape is moving forward.”
With the Australian squad of 21 athletes containing eight debutants, Jones said it was important to give them the opportunity to develop at the highest level.
“I think the team possesses a great mix of experience and new riders and that split is really important,” Jones explained. “Particularly in the year after an Olympic Games, it is really important to bring talent through and to give them opportunity so they can see a pathway.”
The Track World Championships in Hong Kong, begin on Wednesday April 12.
– with CyclingAus