 Cycling Australia is pleased to announce a twelve member Australian Team which will contest the 2019 BMX Racing World Championships in Belgium in July.
The elite team is headlined by siblings Saya Sakakibara and Kai Sakakibara alongside Olympians Lauren Reynolds and Anthony Dean. Wollongong’s Saya Sakakibara heads into the World Championships following a solid first half to her 2019 World Cup Season which boasts two finals appearances highlighted by fifth last week in round six in France. Kai Sakakibara equalled his career-best World Cup result with a fourth-place finish in May’s third round, while Dean’s consistent season has seen him reach the finals in France and semi finals on two occasions. Dual Olympian Lauren Reynolds continues her push for a third Games with a string of strong performances highlighted by fourth in round four in May. Matt Krasevskis, Izaac Kennedy, Josh McLean will make their elite World Championship debut after strong performances during domestic and international events. The Under 19 team includes Des’ree Barnes, Matt Tidswell, Jack Davis, Oliver Moran and Corey Taylor. “The current international race scene is tougher than ever and the selected team have demonstrated they are the strongest individuals and able to qualify through the rounds against an international field,” Wade Bootes, Cycling Australia BMX Technical Director. “Performances from Australian athletes during the first six World Cups this year have highlighted that while we have some challenges to overcome, we have also confirmed we are on a trajectory to meet our objective of a medal winning result at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.” The 2019 BMX Racing World Championships finals for the elite and junior categories will be held at the BMX Club Circuit in Zolder on Saturday 27 July. 2019 AUSTRALIAN TEAM ELITE MEN
ELITE WOMEN
UNDER 19 MEN
UNDER 19 WOMEN
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#UCIBMXWC Round 5 & 6
The 2019 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup season continues with round 5 and 6 at Saint-Quentin-En-Yvelines in Paris on June 8-9. In action for the Australian Cycling Team will be Wollongong’s Saya Sakakibara, Kai Sakakibara and Adelaide's Anthony Dean. Saya heads into the weekend fresh off a final and semi-final appearance at the third and fourth rounds held in April, with two podium finishes at the equivalent 2018 rounds held on the Paris track also strong in her memory. Kai equalled his career-best World Cup result with a fourth-place finish in the third round last month, while Anthony progressed to the semi-final at the opening two rounds in England in April. The World Cups provide valuable points towards the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games qualification.
TEASER Cycling Australia is pleased to announce the 14 athletes selected to the Australian Team for the 2019 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships to be held from 12-15 September in Emmen, the Netherlands.
It has been a stellar opening to the 2019 international season for Australian para-cyclists with a 24-medal haul, including eight gold, captured across the first two rounds of the 2019 UCI Para-Cycling Road World Cup season in May. Seven-time world champion Carol Cooke (VIC), reigning world champion Emilie Miller (NSW), and newcomer Paige Greco (SA) have been selected following their superb start to 2019 which sees them wearing the World Cup leader's jerseys in their respective categories. 2019 world champion on the track Emily Petricola (VIC) receives her first road team selection, with 2018 Road World Championship medallists Kaitlyn Schurmann (VIC), Hannah Macdougall (VIC) and Meg Lemon (SA) also selected. Reigning road champion Alistair Donohoe (VIC), dual Paralympic champion David Nicholas (QLD) and Darren Hicks (SA) will all be eager to add a road world title to the rainbow jerseys claimed at the 2019 Track World Championships in March. The Australian Team will contest the third round of the World Cup in Canada in August ahead of September's World Championships. Offering valuable qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, the Championships will see the Australian Team vie against 200 of the world's best from 30 countries in the road races and time trials. Australian Team
Roaring into the finals with the best semi final score, a bout of food poisoning the morning of the finals halted the Logan Martin run at the top spot at the second round of the BMX Freestyle World Cup competition in Montpellier.
19-year-old American Justin Dowdell (91.20 points) took the win, Martin scoring 89.6 points on his first final run, before calling off his second early. It was the second straight bronze for the Gold Coast cyclist who now leads the World Cup rankings after two rounds. "Qualified first going into finals, got a bit of food poisoning the morning of finals but came pretty good come time to ride, just lacked a bit of energy," Martin told his fans via social media. "Ended up taking third place which also means I’m sitting in first overall leading into China so I’m pumped on!! "Can’t really complain with third but definitely felt better on my bike the previous few days! I had a lot more to do but couldn’t make it happen this time around, looking forward to the last stop in China later in the year!" Brandon Loupos, who took the gold in the World Cup's opening round in Japan in May, landed heavily on the second jump of his first final run which ended his run, before pulling off a series of spectacular tricks including a double back flip in his second run to score 72.40 points which placed him ninth. The third round of the 2019 BMX Freestyle World Cup will be held in China in November, just ahead of the World Championships also in China.
Carol Cooke celebrates dual gold in Belgium.
The Australian team continued its superb start to the 2019 UCI Para-Cycling Road World Cup season with a twelve medal haul in Belgium's second round, equalling the team's opening round performance in Italy.
In another stellar display, the team netted six gold for the round with Carol Cooke (T2) and Emilie Miller (H1) winning dual gold and the World Cup leader's jerseys in their respective categories. "I'm extremely proud of my start to the international season here in Ostend. I am incredibly humbled and surprised to receive the World Cup leaders jersey, and two golds tops off a great week," said the dual reigning world champion Miller. "I am pleased with the execution of my technical skills throughout the time trial, which has been a major focus for this early part of the season, and my road race was my best result for this competition and my best ever road race performance. "I believe I exceeded where we thought I would be at in this early part of the year and it's great to see I'm just building on the form I found at the 2018 World Champs. "A massive thanks to all the Australian Cycling Team staff and my home coaches who make the magic happen."
"I came into this season with no expectations, really wanting to have fun racing and just do the best that I could. It is such an important year for us to gain points for Tokyo so I’m happy to have been able to do my part," said Cooke, the 2018 T2 World Cup champion, who claimed dual silver in last week's opening round in Italy.
"I always knew it would be difficult in Italy due to the climbing involved and my German competitor, Jana, being an amazing climber. So I was just happy to come away with the two silvers. "In round two in Belgium, I knew it was a good time trial course for me and I’m happy racing in the wind. The road race was probably one of the best our category has ever had, everyone picking it up a year out from Paralympic Games. With four of us sprinting to the line I just had to dig deep and go for it."
Paige Greco (C3), who claimed dual gold in the opening round of the World Cup in Italy, added a third gold to her haul with victory in the time trial, while Darren Hicks won the C2 race against the clock.
Greco also claimed bronze in the road race which secured her the World Cup leader's jersey. Hannah MacDougall (C4) claimed road race silver. In other time trial results, Stuart Tripp (MH5) claimed silver, while a heroic effort from Stuart Jones (MT2) saw him win bronze after breaking his collarbone in a mid-race crash. Emily Petricola (C4) won her maiden World Cup road medal with time trial silver, while Meg Lemon (C4) shared the podium after winning bronze. The Australian Team for September's 2019 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships will be announced by Cycling Australia on June 5. The third round of the World Cup will be held in Baie-Comeau, Canada, in August. Results
Wollongong's Kai Sakakibara equalled his career-best UCI BMX Supercross World Cup result with a fourth place finish in the season's third round held in Papendal, the Netherlands.
Sakakibara recovered after a slow start in Saturday's third round final to finish just off the podium behind Dutch 2018 World Cup champion Niek Kimmann. "I felt great all day," Sakakibara said after equalling his career best result which he achieved in 2018 in Belgium. "I won my first round, the round of 16 and the eighth (final). I even got a second place in my quarter, but coming down to that final, it was really tight, and I was really excited to be there as it was my first World Cup final of the year. "I got a bit shot down in the first straight and tried to work my way back but finished fourth. Overall a really good result and I'm happy to get the score on the board. A couple of things to work on for tomorrow but I can't wait." In Sunday's fourth round, Sakakibara's campaign ended in the quarter-final stage. The 22-year-old now sits eighth on the overall World Cup standings.
Kai's sister Saya Sakakibara grabbed a semi final and final finish for the two rounds, just two weeks after crashing out of the World Cup opening round in England.
"I was already thankful I was able to race," said Saya after her round three semi final finish on Saturday. "I chose lane eight in the semi final to give myself some room and I was confident I was able to get through the first few jumps OK. "Later in the race, I made a decision to not jump, but to pump in the second straight, which unfortunately was the wrong decision and I lost position and I ended up fifth. "That was disappointing, but I am happy that I was able to have a good race and stayed on my bike which was a big box to tick in this round for me."
Round 3 & 4 Results - Papendal
World Cup standings - after Round 4:
Full results from the 2019 World Cup season. The 2019 UCI BMX SX World Cup now moves to France for Round 5 and 6 which will be held in St Quentin en Yvelines on June 8-9. ​ WATCH THE ACTION FROM PAPENDAL The Australian Team commenced its 2019 UCI Para-Cycling Road World Cup campaign with a twelve medal haul highlighted by dual gold to Adelaide’s Paige Greco. The picturesque town of Corridonia, Italy, hosted the opening round of the 2019 season which promises to be hotly contested with valuable Paralympic Games qualification points on offer at each round. All rounds include time trials and road races for all classes, with Greco claiming gold in both events in the C3 classification. 2019 T2 UCI World Cup champion Carol Cooke collected dual silver, 2019 track world champion Darren Hicks won dual bronze, while Meg Lemon and Hannah Macdougall found the podium twice across the weekend. Grant Allen and Stuart Jones also collected medals during the round. The team will now head to Ostend, Belgium for the second round of the UCI Para World Cup next weekend. Results Time Trial
Road Race
Results http://www.votrecourse.com/en/index.html Series Info https://www.uci.org/road/events/uci-para-cycling-road-world-cup 
Photo - UCI BMX Supercross Facebook
The 2019 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup season has opened in Manchester England with mixed results for the Australian Cycling Team.
Saya Sakakibara, who finished second overall on the 2018 international rankings, unfortunately, crashed out of Saturday's opening round in the semi-final stage and was forced to miss Sunday's second round. In a semifinal littered with some of the sport's biggest names including Olympic gold medallist Mariana Pajon, reigning world champion Laura Smulders and former world champion Alise Willoughby, Sakakibara crashed in the front straight on the first jump. The Wollongong cyclist was knocked unconscious and was taken to hospital for tests but was later cleared of major injury. She ultimately finished 16th in the round and sat out Sunday's second round. "In the semi, it was quite a stacked race, I lined up next to Mariana and Alise so it was quite the mental challenge at the start," Sakakibara, who is hoping to be ready for the next leg of the World Cup season in the Netherlands on May 11-12. "But I was able to do a good gate but got squeezed on the first jump and unfortunately went down, hitting my head, and blacked out a bit. "Just looking to rest up and hoping to be fine for Papendal in two weeks."
In the men's competition, Adelaide's Anthony Dean and Wollongong's Kai Sakakibara progressed to the semifinals in both rounds.
Dean narrowly missed a final in round one after finishing fifth in his semifinal, before his second round campaign was cut short by after a mechanical. "First World Cup of the season, I was having a great opening day, won some laps and rode my way into the semifinal," said Dean. "I had a great start, executed everything I needed to and went into the first turn in second but was ridden high and ended up being pushed into fourth and then got past right on the last straight for fifth. "Then in round two, qualifying through the rounds ended up in the semifinal, I had a great gate state but had a mechanical error when my foot came out of the pedal, which disappointingly ended my day."
 Cycling Australia is pleased to announce the athlete selections for the Australian Team for the 2019 UCI Junior Track World Championships (14-18 August, Frankfurt, Germany) and the 2019 UCI Junior Road World Championships (22-29 September, Yorkshire, Great Britain).
2019 Junior Track World Championships Track Endurance
Track Sprint
2019 Junior Road World Championships
Jonathan Norfolk, Head of Performance Pathways and People. "The Junior World Championships provides a privileged opportunity to represent Australia on the international stage and we are pleased to be able to select a number of athletes who have a genuine opportunity to challenge for a podium performance. "The performance level at the Road World Championships is set very high and this is reflected in our selection criteria where the focus is on the ability of the athlete to achieve a podium performance at the World Championships as well as giving them an experience which will positively contribute to their long term development. "This long term development of our up and coming athletes is our priority and we are invested in creating additional opportunities for meaningful endurance development through a number of European based road racing camps in those categories where the Road World Championships is currently not able to create this developmental impact. "To all the athletes who have been selected, we wish you the best and hope you enjoy the honour of representing the green and gold." 
The Australian Cycling Team is ready ahead of the 2019 UCI World Cup season which gets underway in Manchester on April 26.
Five countries will each host two rounds of the Series in 2019 the beginning in Manchester in April, before taking in stops in the Netherlands, France, USA and Argentina. The 2019 World Championships will slot in between the French and USA rounds in July, with the 2019 season to offer all-important qualification points for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Saya Sakakibara shone while on her debut in the elite ranks in 2018, finishing second overall on the year-end international rankings claiming one World Cup win and four podium appearances, in addition to claiming sixth in her first elite career World Championship final. "2018 was such a crazy season for me, I didn't expect any of the results," said Wollongong's Sakakibara, 19. "It has shown me it is possible to do it, now I understood where I am at against the rest of the field. "Coming into 2019, obviously there is confidence I can take into the season, But it is a brand new year, there is probably another new group coming through, it is a pre-Olympic year so everyone is trying to get those Olympic points. It is going to be really competitive, even more than last year. "But like last year, I will be taking it race by race, coming into it with no expectations. I plan to build on 2018, learn from mistakes that I make along the way, and continue to grow as an athlete."
With a valuable year of experience under her belt, Saya dedicated her Australian based summer offseason to strength and power program.
"At only 19, I am not as strong as the older girls in the elite class, so being in the gym three times a week was a priority over summer, working on my strength and power," said Sakakibara, who turns 20 in August. "Now it will be all about trying to convert that strength base into power and then on the bike. Sakakibara opened 2019 with victory in the Oceania Championships and will be chasing the podium in Manchester. "Always chasing the podium, Manchester is a tight track, it will be a new experience, tight racing, everyone is eager to put down good results to start the reason, going to be very competitive."
Kai Sakakibara celebrated his start to 2019 with victory in January's Oceania Championships and like sibling Saya, spent much of his summer deep in an offseason strength program.
"We have seen great improvements from October 2018 vs February 2019, my sprint times have improved, as well as my start Hill times at Brisbane SX track as well," said Kai. "Another focus for me was on marginal gains - this was in sleep, nutrition, recovery, as well as doing what I already do in training a little bit better. "I think all of this combined has shown a huge bump in my performance compared to last year." Adelaide's Anthony Dean will also line up in Manchester's opening round following a consistent 2018 where he grabbed a podium at the Belgium World Cup round, in addition to two top-five placings, and top ten at the World Championships. "Heading into the 2019 season with high confidence and hopes," said Dean. "After finishing the final World Cup of 2018 in third, I have been setting my sights on the top step of the podium. "I am coming into the 2019 season in my best shape and looking forward to racing in the venue I got my first World Cup podium in 2014." As the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games moves closer into view, Cycling Australia BMX Technical Director Wade Bootes is looking forward to another season. "The Australian Cycling Team have clear individual performance plans for all riders as we embrace diversity to enhance the individual athlete by targeting key areas of support required by the support network we align within Australia and around the world. "Simplifying the process and focusing on tasks and activities that will make an impact on performance."
2019 BMX Supercross Schedule - Riders contesting Round
More details at the UCI website: https://www.uci.org/bmx-racing/events/uci-bmx-supercross-world-cup ​​​ 
Loupos - Photo UCI
Sydney's Brandon Loupos has opened the 2019 UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup season with victory in round one, with many hailing his winning run as the best ever seen at a BMX Freestyle Park event.
After crashing in his first final run in Hiroshima, Loupos fired in an insane second run which included a 1080, a double backflip, a 900 and a cashroll to score 95.80 points, the highest score ever recorded at a World Cup event. "My score feels amazing and I couldn't be more blessed to get a score like that especially after crashing on the first run and giving the second run all I had, nothing feels better," Loupos said. "It is pretty crazy to have people come up to me and say 'it's the best run of all time' because to me it's just important to land my planned run and to inspire others. My main goal is to honor Dave Mirra, the greatest of all time, and when people say that was the best run ever, it makes me think I'm considered to be worthy of Dave Mirra." BRANDON's RUN
The win matched Loupos' efforts in the same round of the 2018 World Cup last April.
"It feels unreal. I'm in the same position as last year, but this year since I've already had more experience and more times staying at number 1, I definitely plan to keep it," added Loupos, the 2018 World Championship bronze medallist. "I have the maturity and experience now to work hard at home to maintain the number 1 position throughout year."
2017 world champion Logan Martin claimed third with 91.10 points on his first run which included a 4 tail whip combo, and a 540 flair right on the buzzer.
Logan Martin's run The Australian Cycling Team is pleased to announce categorisation of athlete membership to the Para-cycling road and track program for 2019. The categorisation follows the 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships at which Australia finished second on the medal standings with a total haul of 17 medals including nine gold. "I am very pleased to announce the Para-cycling Athlete Membership to the Australian Cycling Team for 2019," said Para-cycling Technical Director Warren McDonald. "The depth across both disciplines of para-cycling is very promising for our campaign ahead of Tokyo 2020." Members of the road program will depart Australian shores later this month for the opening two rounds of the UCI Road World Cup Series to be held in Italy and Belgium in May. The team for the 2019 UCI Road World Championships, to be held in the Netherlands in September, will be announced on June 5. Athlete Membership for 2019
Podium
Podium Ready
Podium Potential
The country’s best and brightest gathered at the Australian Cycling Team 'Women in Performance Track Cycling' Breakfast to discuss the challenges and opportunities within one of the most competitive sports in the country.
Held in conjunction with the recent Track National Championships in Brisbane, the breakfast was organised by Podium Potential Academy Sprint Coach Lynne Munro and hosted by National Manager of Communications Amy McCann. The panel featured three generations of track cycling royalty including dual Olympic champion Anna Meares, four-time world champion Kaarle McCulloch and Australia’s first female Olympic sprint medallist Michelle Ferris. Also attending the breakfast was a number of Australia's reigning world champion athletes in Amy Cure, Ashlee Ankudinoff, Alex Manly and Georgia Baker, Para-cycling Pilot Madison Janssen, UCI Commissaire Karen O’Callaghan, Cycling Australia director Linda Evans, plus a host of staff, sports scientists, state and institute coaches. “A year and a half ago when I first came into the Australian cycling team, especially taking up a coaching position, I looked around and didn't see very many other women around,” explained Munro. “And because I knew the story that had gotten me there had its challenges, I wanted to make use of my position to leverage some change and accelerate the process. “It is very easy for us now to think we are doing pretty good without actually reflecting on how we got there. We need to allow that knowledge and legacy of those that came before us to influence how we can shape the future.”
After spending time away from the sport following her retirements in the early 2000s, Australia’s first female Olympic medallist in track sprinting Michelle Ferris is excited to be back and a part of the discussions.
“I think it is time we get together as a group of female athletes and help support each other, I am not sure what the next step is but that is the challenge to all of us, past and present riders to keep momentum in cycling,” said Ferris, a dual Olympic medallist (1996/2000) and seven-time World Championship medalist. “Getting more people involved at a support crew level, staff, commissaries, coaches, everything and if we work together, we have more chance of making a difference for women in sport.” Four-time world champion and 2012 Olympic medallist Kaarle McCulloch took time out of her Nationals campaign to present a number of concepts and ideas to the attendees. “Two of the key things I wanted to get across was the importance of environment, and how to cultivate a positive environment,” said McCulloch. “But also how do we keep girls in the sport. “I have realised there is a whole multitude of things that we can do to get girls involved in the sport and more people in the cycling fraternity. And that comes down to creating better support systems for coaches and for when we find talent, where do they go and how can they thrive.” For more information about how to get involved in cycling, please contact Cycling Australia.  Cycling Australia (CA) is pleased to announce Australian Cycling Team Podium Potential Academy members Maeve Plouffe (SA), Alexandra Martin-Wallace (QLD), Samantha de Riter (VIC) and Sophie Edwards (SA) have been selected to take part in a winter road racing program in Belgium.
Four National Road Series (NRS) riders will join them in Sarah Gigante (Roxsolt Attaquer), Josie Talbot (Roxsolt Attaquer), Ruby Roseman-Gannon (St LukesHealth TIS Racing Team) and Anya Louw (St LukesHealth TIS Racing Team). The riders will contest a combination of Belgian kermesses, Belgian and UCI criteriums, and one UCI four-day tour across July and August. The program follows a successful partnership between CA and NRS teams in the 2019 Summer of Cycling which saw riders contesting the Santos Women’s Tour Down Under, Deakin University Women’s Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and Lexus of Blackburn Women’s Herald Sun Tour. Gigante stunned the field at the 2019 Road Nationals while also performing team roles during the Cadel’s Road Race and the HeraldSun Tour, while Talbot played a pivotal team role during the Tour Down Under as a leader both on and off the bike. Roseman-Gannon’s international potential on the road shone with a top ten at Race Melbourne, while Louw’s displayed her character, skill and determination during her introduction into the elite ranks at the TDU and HST. Launched by Cycling Australia in November 2018, the Podium Potential Academy focuses on long term athlete development with the current cohort aiming for success at the 2024 Olympic Games and beyond. Since joining the Academy, Plouffe has claimed three national titles on the track and led the outfit to fifth in the team pursuit while on debut at the UCI Hong Kong Track World Cup in January while Martin-Wallace stormed to individual silver. “The primary purpose of the program is to provide an international racing experience for Podium Potential Athletes and for emerging and developing athletes competing in the NRS,” said Donna Rae-Szalinski. “This opportunity will provide a platform for the development of race skills, tactics and physiology required, as well as exposure to the lifestyle demands of international competition.” Overview National Road Series Riders Josie Talbot (Roxsolt Attaquer) Ruby Roseman-Gannon (St LukesHealth TIS Racing Team) Anya Louw (St LukesHealth TIS Racing Team) Sarah Gigante (Roxsolt Attaquer) Australian Cycling Team Podium Potential Academy Maeve Plouffe (SA) Alexandra Martin-Wallace (QLD) Samantha de Riter (VIC) Sophie Edwards (SA) Schedule Jul-14 GP Sofie Goos Borgerhout 1.15A Jul-17 Arendonk 1.15A Jul-18-21 Bene Tour UCI 2.1 Jul-19 Vrasene 1.15A Jul-23 Zottegem-Strijpen 1.15A Jul-26 Bambrugge-Erpe Mere 1.15A Jul-27 St Maria-Lierde 1.15A Jul-29 Boezinge WE UCI Crit Jul-30 Kapellen 1.15 Jul-31 Antwerpen WE UCI Crit Aug-01 Herentals Fietst WE UCI Crit Aug-03 Erondeg Pijl (Erpe Mere) UCI 1.2 
Loupos in action - Leo Zhukov
Australian Cycling Team athletes Logan Martin and Brandon Loupos are primed ahead of the start of the 2019 UCI World Cup season which gets underway in Japan on April 19.
An epic 2019 World Cup season includes stops in Japan, France and China, sandwiching a host of international C1 events including the lucrative X Games, before wrapping up with the World Championships in November. Sydney's Loupos is looking to replicate his 2018 form which saw him bookend the year with career-best performances including gold in Japan's opening World Cup round before storming to bronze at the World Championships in November. "2018 was definitely a great year for me and my best year so far in my BMX career," said Loupos who in unfortunate circumstances suffered a bike mechanical in round two and had his bike stolen just three hours before the final in round three. "But I'm looking forward to what the rest of 2019 has in store since I started the year off with three wins and keeping that momentum rolling will be key for 2019. "My goal is obviously to win as that's what we're all there to do! It would be really cool to go back to Hiroshima, back up my win from last year and obviously start the World Cup series off strong!"
2017 world champion Martin opened 2018 with a broken collarbone which forced him to miss the opening round of the season. He recovered in time to contest the Series' second round in May where he finished second, before storming to a third-round win in July and gold in the BMX Park Final at the X-Games in the USA later that month. unfortunately, Martin broke his ankle in October, which meant he was unable to defend his world title.
"2018 was a roller coaster for sure, a few injuries throughout but also a few very high points in my career," said Gold Coast's Martin, who has no plans to play it safe in the adrenaline-filled discipline despite his run of injuries. "My 2019 goals are to achieve more of these big wins, however with fewer injuries. "But my goal is always to ride to the best of my ability at any event. Staying on my bike through my runs are always a large part of my focus but also not to play it too safe." As the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games moves closer into view, Cycling Australia BMX Technical Director Wade Bootes is looking forward to another season. "While it is still a new discipline to UCI cycling, I am amazed by the work ethic shown by our Australian Cycling Team members, not only in their own development but the progression of the sport," Bootes said. "It is a pleasure working with such talented and committed athletes with a growth mindset towards performance."
2019 BMX Freestyle Season
Three rounds will take place in April, May and October in Japan, France and China, before the 2019 Urban World Championships wrap up the season in China in November.
More at the UCI website. After a successful and satisfying 2019 Track World Championships, the Australian Cycling Team has reset and resumed its build up towards Tokyo 2020. With less than 500 days until the Olympics, the following riders have been categorised for membership to the Australian Cycling Team in the 2019/2020 season.  After this extensive and always difficult review process it has been decided that two sprint athletes will not have their Australian Cycling Team membership renewed. Those athletes are:
As part of our ongoing commitment to athletes well being, we are providing human resources and financial transition support to both men and our dedicated staff are available to guide them through their exit from the team. They are:
The next major event for the Australian Cycling Team track members is the 2020 Oceania Championships in New Zealand in October, followed by the 2019/2020 UCI Track World Cup season which runs from November 2019 to January 2020, including round #5 in Brisbane, December 2019. FOLLOW #AusCyclingTeam Facebook @AustralianCyclingTeam | Instagram @australiancyclingteam | Twitter @AusCyclingTeam  Photo Casey Gibson Australia has finished second on the overall standings behind Great Britain with nine gold and a glittering 17-medal haul at the 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in the Netherlands.
The Australian team’s results were highlighted by dual gold to David Nicholas (QLD), Alistair Donohoe (VIC) and outstanding debutant Paige Greco (SA), who broke two world records. Emily Petricola (VIC) and Amanda Reid (NSW) also celebrated victories and world records, while Darren Hicks (SA) claimed an emotional maiden world title. Paige Greco, a former athletics stand out who has been cycling for little more than twelve months, dominated the individual pursuit and the time trial on the opening two days of competition. “I am very happy, two good rides, I still can’t believe it," said Greco, 22. "I’ve only been in the sport for a short time but this has given me the determination to keep training and working on the things I need to improve on. "I’m already looking forward to getting back into training and keep working at it.” Victoria's Alistair Donohoe claimed his fifth and sixth career world titles victories in the C5 individual pursuit and scratch race. "This team is backing each other so much and creating such a positive environment I think it's really bringing the most of all the riders,” said Donohoe, 24. ‘It is one of the most relaxed and constructive teams I've been amongst.” “Thank you to the Cycling Australia coaches on this trip for putting in the finishing touches and ironing out the wrinkles to allow me to stand on the top step today. The support around me is second to none and it feels as though I've had the easiest job out of them all!" Like Donohoe, David Nicholas pulled on rainbow jerseys in both the individual pursuit and scratch race. “It feels so awesome, I can't explain the feeling,” said Nicholas, 27, after claiming a third straight world crown in C3 individual pursuit. “It takes a lot of effort to stay on top, but it is all worth it to get the rainbow jersey! “Thanks so much to Cycling Australia for all the help and support this year. Thanks to my coach Nick Formosa for everything he has done for me.” Darren Hicks was in disbelief after claiming his maiden world title in the individual pursuit. “Right now I think I’m feeling every emotion possible. I am excited and relieved, I can't quite comprehend that I've finally got my first world championship and rainbow jersey... it's crazy!” The World Championship victory capped off a difficult year for Hicks, who in January, had charges against him dropped for a 2014 freeway truck crash that killed two people, the same accident in which he lost his right leg. “It has been a full on year, it was a long, agonising, very expensive road but it's behind me now, and I can finally focus on my racing. “I would like to say thanks to everyone that's helped me get to where I am today. I'm very grateful for all the opportunities I have been given and am glad I could bring home the chocolates for the first time on the big stage!” Melbourne's Emily Petricola took both the world record and world title in the C4 individual pursuit and revealed the meticulous planning undertaken since winning silver at 2018 World Championships after also breaking the world record in qualifying. "I spent a lot of time over the course of the last twelve months identifying exactly what went wrong last year and what I needed to change so I didn't have the same outcome this year," said Petricola, 38. "I worked hard with both Shane Kelly and Cameron Jennings on controlling my riding in qualifying, as I do tend to get a bit excited on race day. But I did my best to follow the instructions being given to me throughout and, thankfully, we executed two good, fast rides to get the rainbows." Sydney's Amanda Reid broke the world record in the C2 time trial on her way to winning a third career world title. "It took a while to sink in, I couldn’t believe the time I had just ridden,” said Reid, 22. "Now that it has all sunk in, the feeling is unbelievable, a world title is amazing and the world record on top of that is like a dream come true for me. "I am truly fortunate to be surrounded by an amazing support system and without them, this wouldn’t be possible." Cycling Australia Para-cycling Technical Director Warren McDonald paid tribute to his predecessor and also the state-based programs for the platform for the successful World Championships. “I would firstly like to thank Peter Day for building such a strong Para-cycling program,” said McDonald, who assumed the role from Day last September. “We have worked hard with staff and team coaches to provide a fantastic team environment for these Championships. “The rider’s domestic coaches have delivered their athletes to the national program in fantastic condition and need to be commended on this preparation which has resulted in such a successful World Championships.” Australian Team Medals (17) Gold (9)
Silver (5)
Bronze (3)
Victoria's Alistair Donohoe claimed a fifth career world title with stirring victory in the C5 individual pursuit at the 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in the Netherlands.
In a near personal best ride (4:27.456) to top the afternoon qualifying session, Donohoe overtook his Ukrainian opponent Yehor Dementyev in the final to take the world title.
"I was a bit nervous and unsure going into today's rides really," said Donohoe. "I knew I was in really good shape from the summer of racing I've had, just wasn't sure how that would translate into times today!
"I knew going in I just had to really control the start and not go out too hot, I'd seen a lot of people earlier on going out really quickly and paying for it in the tail end of their pursuit. Being round seven of nine, I still had three really good riders coming up behind me to I just had to put them out of my mind and try to execute the best ride I could and be happy with that. "Happy, surprised, pumped, shocked, that's probably how I was feeling after the qualifying time. I didn't think I had that time in me but the coaches believed in me and I believed in them so it worked! "Heading into the final, I had the same thoughts again, just go out and ride your ride for the first half of the four kilometres, then worry about racing him. I was lucky enough to put some good time into him early and get the catch so it made for a short and sweet final round. "Overwhelmed and happy as Larry I am!"
After claiming his fifth career world title - second on the track - Donohoe paid tribute to the team and his support staff. "This team is backing each other so much and creating such a positive environment I think it's really bringing the most out of all the riders. One of the most relaxed and constructive teams I've been amongst.
"I'd love to thank my family for all their love, support and encouragement that makes doing what I do so much easier! "To my coach Nick Owen for backing me and giving me the confidence and ability to get out there and rip it and have fun. To the CA coaches on this trip for putting in the finishing touches and ironing out the wrinkles to allow me to stand on the top step today. "The support around me is second to none and it feels as though I've had the easiest job out of them all!"
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​The 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships will be held in the Netherlands from 14-17 March and offers valuable qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with the Australian team to vie against 200 of the world's best from 30 countries. Qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games are on offer, with 16 of Australia's best set to vie against 200 of the world's best from 30 countries. More Photos ​Casey B. Gibson 
Photo Casey Gibson.
Victoria's Emily Petricola is celebrating after claiming both the world record and world title in the C4 individual pursuit at the 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in the Netherlands.
In a stunning afternoon qualifying ride, Petricola broke her own world record with a time of 3mins 53.297secs for the three-kilometre event. In the final, Canada's Kelly Shaw was no match with Petricola overtaking her opponent before the finish line to take the gold.
"The world record was very unexpected and unplanned, so it is hard describe or articulate exactly how I felt," said Petricola, however the Victorian could detail the meticulous planning involved since winning silver at 2018 World Championships after also breaking the world record in qualifying.
"I spent a lot of time over the course of the last twelve months identifying exactly what went wrong last year and what I needed to change so I didn't have the same outcome this year," she said. "I've worked really hard with both Shane Kelly and Cameron Jennings on controlling my riding so I can go faster in a second pursuit ride than in qualifying. "This is difficult for me as I do tend to get a bit excited on race day, but I really did my best to follow the instructions being given to me throughout and, thankfully, today we executed two good, fast rides to get the rainbows." Relocating from Melbourne to the Australian Cycling Team headquarters in Adelaide earlier this year, Petricola was quick to thank coaches in both cities. "I have to thank first and foremost Cam Jennings for his coaching guidance and support. Shane Kelly who until my recent relocation spent a huge amount of time and energy teaching me so much; Harry Brennan for his expertise and support I in more areas than he is obliged to provide. "But to all CA staff that are here with us - they have been beyond incredible including Warren McDonald, Keren Faulkner, Eliza Smythe, Nick Formosa, Mikey Winter, Jade Lean, Nathan Jennings and Louise Marvin. "All my friends and family that have provided unending patience in their support of me doing this." Later in the sessions, Petricola backed up her gold medal performance with a bronze in the C4 scratch race. Team mate Meg Lemon took silver in the scratch race, while also taking bronze in the individual pursuit.
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The 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships will be held in the Netherlands from 14-17 March and offers valuable qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with the Australian team to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. Qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games are on offer, with 16 of Australia's best set to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. More Photos © Casey B. Gibson 
Sydney's Gordon Allan celebrated his maiden World Championship medal with silver in the C2 1km time trial final at the 2019 UCI Para-cycling World Championships in the Netherlands on Friday.
In amazing scenes, Allan covered the four laps in just a tick under fifty kilometres per hour to set a new world record with a superb time of 1min 12.873secs. However in the very next ride, the final competitor to take to the track in Colombia’s Alejandro Perea just pipped the Australian's new mark by 0.005secs (1min12.838secs).
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The 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships will be held in the Netherlands from 14-17 March and offers valuable qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with the Australian team to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. Qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games are on offer, with 16 of Australia's best set to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. More Photos © Casey B. Gibson ​ 
Formosa (L) chats to Greco (R). Photo © Casey Gibson.
Twenty-four hours after smashing the individual pursuit world record on her way to winning a maiden world title, debutant Paige Greco was at it again in the C3 500m Time Trial.
The Adelaide cyclist took her second world title in as many days in a blistering time of 39.442secs which smashed the previous mark by almost two seconds.
"I am very happy, two good rides, I still can’t believe it," said Greco, a former stand out on the athletics track who has been cycling for little more than twelve months, who has already turned her attention to improving her world's best times. "I’m looking forward to getting back into training and keep working at it.
"I’ve only been in the sport for a short time but this has given me the determination to keep training and working on the things I need to improve on. "I want to thank all the coaches for their ongoing support and my coach back home Loz couldn’t have done it without them."
About
The 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships will be held in the Netherlands from 14-17 March and offers valuable qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with the Australian team to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. Qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games are on offer, with 16 of Australia's best set to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. More Photos © Casey B. Gibson 
Photo © Casey Gibson
Sydney's Amanda Reid is celebrating after setting a new world record way to claiming the C2 time trial world title at the UCI Para-cycling Track Worlds in the Netherlands on Friday.
The second last rider to take to the Apeldoorn track to complete the two laps, Reid scorched the track in 45.564km/hour to clock the new mark of 39.505secs. The previous holder Alyda Norbruis (NED) was unable to better Reid's time in the final ride, giving Reid the gold.
"I still don’t think this is real," said Reid. "It took a while to sink in what I had actually done and the time I had just rode.
"Now that it has all sunk in, the feeling is unbelievable, a world title is amazing and the world record on top of that is like a dream come true for me. "I am truly fortunate to be surrounded by an amazing support system and without them this wouldn’t be possible."
About
The 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships will be held in the Netherlands from 14-17 March and offers valuable qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with the Australian team to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. Qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games are on offer, with 16 of Australia's best set to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. More Photos © Casey B. Gibson 
Photo © Casey Gibson
#Apeldoorn2019 Day 1 Recap
It was a triple treat for the Australian Cycling Team on the opening day of the 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in the Netherlands with Paige Greco, Darren Hicks and David Nicholas claiming individual pursuit world titles. Debutant Paige Greco (SA) announced herself in the best way possible with a world record in qualifying and the world title in the C3 individual pursuit. Greco, who only began cycling two years ago, scorched the Apeldoorn track time of 4mins 0.206secs in qualifying to smash the existing world record by three seconds. The 22-year-old Adelaide cyclist proved it was no fluke as she posted 4mins 1.609secs in the final, even after overtaking her German opponent Denise Schindler. “I was really happy with the world record and then happy I could back it up in the final,” said Greco.
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The 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships will be held in the Netherlands from 14-17 March and offers valuable qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with the Australian team to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. Qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games are on offer, with 16 of Australia's best set to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. More Photos © Casey B. Gibson 
Photo © Casey Gibson
#Apeldoorn2019 Day 1 Recap
It was a triple treat for the Australian Cycling Team on the opening day of the 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in the Netherlands with Paige Greco, Darren Hicks and David Nicholas claiming individual pursuit world titles. Queensland’s David Nicholas celebrated a third straight world crown in C3 individual pursuit category. “It feels so awesome, I can't explain the feeling,” Nicholas said. “It is hard to believe, but yes it is my third pursuit world title in a row. It takes a lot of effort to stay on top, but it is all worth it to get the rainbow jersey!” Fastest qualifier in the afternoon session (3:30.775), Nicholas, 27, powered to a personal best 3mins 29.879secs on his ways to an eight-second victory in the final over Spain’s Eduardo Santas. “My strategy in the qualifying was to ride a time that would earn me a place the gold medal ride, but I was rolling fast, and I qualified first. In the final, I set myself a goal as my PB and achieved that.” The reigning Paralympic champion Nicholas was quick to praise his support team. “Thanks so much to Cycling Australia for all the help and support this year. Thanks to my coach Nick Formosa for everything he has done for me.”
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The 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships will be held in the Netherlands from 14-17 March and offers valuable qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with the Australian team to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. Qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games are on offer, with 16 of Australia's best set to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. More Photos © Casey B. Gibson 
Photo Casey Gibson
#Apeldoorn2019 Day 1 Recap
It was a triple treat for the Australian Cycling Team on the opening day of the 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in the Netherlands with Paige Greco, Darren Hicks and David Nicholas claiming individual pursuit world titles. Read More. “Right now I think I’m feeling every emotion possible,” said Darren Hicks after claiming his maiden world title. “I am excited & relieved, and in disbelief, I can't quite comprehend that I've finally got my first world championship and rainbow jersey, it's crazy!” Second fastest in C2 Individual Pursuit qualifying (3:42.709) behind Tristan Chernove (CAN) by less than half a second, before Hicks turned the tables on his Canadian opponent by three seconds in the final (3:45.390). “My plan for qualifying was the same thing we have been working on for months, that is until I came through on my second lap six-tenths up on my schedule,” said Hicks revealing it not all went according to his pre-race plan. “After that, it was 'hold on for dear life' and get through those last ten laps without blowing my left leg apart!! In the end, I think I was fortunate to scrape in as the second qualifier, but hey, I'll take some luck going my way for a change! “The final was a chance to make right what I did wrong in the qualifier, but unfortunately the tank was pretty empty from leaving it all out there on my first ride. So, in the end, I just settled to my schedule as best I could and tried to be as smooth as possible, the time is a little disappointing but in the end, the time doesn't matter in a medal ride off, just as long as you cross the line first.” The win comes after a tumultuous year for the 34-year-old Adelaide cyclist who in January had charges against him dropped for a freeway truck crash that killed two people in 2014, the same accident in which Hicks lost his right leg. “It has been a full on year, it was a long, agonising, very expensive road but it's behind me now, and I can finally focus fully on my racing,” Hicks said. “I just would like to say thanks to everyone that's helped me get to where I am today. I'm very grateful for all the opportunities I have been given and am glad I could bring home the chocolates for the first time on the big stage! “A thank you to my awesome wife who supports me galavanting around the world riding my bike, your unreal babe, and I can't wait to show you the new bling!!”
About
The 2019 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships will be held in the Netherlands from 14-17 March and offers valuable qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with the Australian team to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. Qualification points towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games are on offer, with 16 of Australia's best set to vie against 200 of the world’s best from 30 countries. More Photos © Casey B. Gibson |
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