Cycling Australia announced the seven riders in this year’s team that aims to provide a pathway for Australia’s most talented under-23 riders into the world championship, Olympic and Commonwealth Games and professional ranks.

Its success was ably demonstrated by Clements’ fellow Tasmanian Campbell Flakemore graduating up to Cadel Evans’ BMC team after claiming the under-23 time-trial world championship last year.

NSW sprinting sensation and former Launceston Classic winner Caleb Ewan has also climbed up through the sport’s pro ranks after claiming under-23 road race silver at the world championships.

This year’s WTA team sees six returning members, including the trio of Robert Power (Western Australia), Jack Haig (Victoria) and Alexander Edmondson (South Australia), who are poised to begin their World Tour careers with Australia’s Orica-GreenEDGE from 2016.

On the back of claiming the best young rider category in Evans’ Great Ocean Road race, 21-year-old Clements returns along with Harry Carpenter and fellow South Australian Miles Scotson, a team pursuit world championship bronze medallist who will represent the track endurance element alongside Edmondson.

Making his national team debut is national under 23-time trial silver medallist Oscar Stevenson, of Victoria.

Cycling Australia chief executive officer Nick Green wished the team success for the season ahead.

‘‘The selection of a team of this calibre is a fantastic representation of the depth of Australian cycling,’’ he said. ‘‘These athletes are tremendous ambassadors for the sport and positive role models for aspiring cyclists rising through the ranks.’’

The team’s season will begin this weekend with all seven riders competing at the Milano Busseto in Italy before a schedule also incorporating Belgium, France, the Czech Republic and concluding with the under-23 world championships in the US state of Virginia.

Team director James Victor said the riders have arrived at their Italian base in Gavirate and were testing new bikes at the Mapei laboratory near Milan.

‘‘They are all in good spirits, although it is still a little chilly in Europe,’’ he said.

‘‘Our six returning members boast substantial experience and will provide a solid platform for the group to chase podiums. 

‘‘We’re also looking forward to Oscar Stevenson’s debut, with the team working hard to hit the first part of the European season in optimum shape.’’