Alex Clements
TASMANIANS Alex Clements and Campbell Flakemore helped hail a new era for Australian cycling in the national capital yesterday.
The pair joined seven other riders at the Canberra launch of the 2013 Jayco-AIS world tour academy.
A reshaping of a successful continental team, the new-look academy represents a union of Cycling Australia Leg 1and the Australian Institute of Sport and seeks to provide the pathway for Australia's most talented under-23 riders into world championships, Olympic Games and professional ranks.
CA's performance director, former Tasmanian Institute of Sport coach Kevin Tabotta, said the academy team would be presented as the Australian national team in all European races.
``The Academy will provide increased international racing opportunities for our emerging talent and will also provide room for Australian UCI continental and NRS teams to have a greater involvement in the development of these young athletes,'' Tabotta said.
ntsa``This structure will help ensure that athletes stay motivated, professional and challenged throughout the long season. There will be great upward pressure, with riders on the fringes challenging for spots.''
AIS director Matt Favier hoped both track and road cycling would make a significant contribution to the project.
``Supporting our best young talent is critical to long-term international sporting success, which is why we are happy to continue partnering with Cycling Australia and its sponsors to provide the best environment for athletes to achieve their full potential,'' Favier said.