Cycling Australia can confirm two changes have been made to the Australian National Team for the 2020 UCI Road World Championships in Imola, Italy from 24-27 September 2020. 

Lucas Hamilton (Mitchelton-Scott) and Jack Haig (Mitchelton-Scott) have withdrawn from the team and will be replaced by Chris Hamilton (Team Sunweb) and Nicholas Schultz (Mitchelton-Scott).
​
The 2020 World Championships format will include the elite categories only. The Championships’ challenging road race routes will see the men take on 5,000 metres of climbing on a 259.2km course, while the women will tackle 2,750 metres of climbing over their 144km course. The time trial course will feature a flat 32km circuit.

2020 Australian Team 

Women’s Road Race

• Grace Brown (Mitchelton-Scott)
• Brodie Chapman (FDJ Nouvelle Aquitaine Futuroscope)
• Lucy Kennedy (Mitchelton-Scott)
• Shara Marche (nee Gillow) (FDJ Nouvelle Aquitaine Futuroscope)
• Rachel Neylan (Cronos Casa Dorada Women Cycling) 
• Sarah Roy (Mitchelton-Scott)
• Amanda Spratt (Mitchelton-Scott)

Men’s Road Race

• Simon Clarke (EF Pro Cycling)
• Luke Durbridge (Mitchelton-Scott)
• Chris Hamilton (Team Sunweb) 
• Jai Hindley (Team Sunweb)
• Damien Howson (Mitchelton-Scott)
• Michael Matthews (Team Sunweb)
• Richie Porte (Trek-Segafredo)
• Nick Schultz (Mitchelton-Scott)

Women’s Time Trial

• Grace Brown (Mitchelton-Scott)

Men’s Time Trial

• Rohan Dennis (Ineos Grenadiers)
• Luke Durbridge (Mitchelton-Scott)

More #AusCyclingTeam 

• Web australiancyclingteam.com
• Facebook @AustralianCyclingTeam
• Instagram @australiancyclingteam 
• Twitter @AusCyclingTeam

​As COVID-19 continues to alter how Australian Cycling Team athletes train and prepare for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Cycling Australia (CA) has committed to a new BMX Freestyle Indoor Training Facility in Australia. 
 
Earlier in 2020, COVID-19 restrictions forced the closure of two of Queensland’s indoor skate parks, which also formed part of the daily training environment base for the Australian Cycling Team’s BMX Freestyle athletes.
 
With the athletes left with no facility at which to train, Australian Cycling Team staff and athletes held discussions to determine how to best support Tokyo 2020 preparations. 
 
Australia’s reigning world champion in Brandon Loupos, 2017 world champion Logan Martin, and women’s world number six in Natalya Diehm put their support behind a facility proposal.
 
In August, access to a warehouse on the Gold Coast was secured and in September, several team staff and athletes set to work with lead park builder Jason Watts from Universal Ramps on building the indoor training facility. 
 
The facility includes ramps, walls, transitions and quarter pipes up to ten feet, with protective matting and foam pits in both directions allowing riders to advance and develop new tricks in a safe environment.

​
Australian Cycling Team BMX Technical Director Wade Bootes is ecstatic that Australia’s athletes now have access to a world-class facility with leading nations such as Japan, Russia, USA and France already boasting Freestyle training centres. 
 
“Our training facility is a learning centre to create an environment to support the athletes in a safe and controlled way as they prepare for the Tokyo Games in 2021,” said Bootes. “The park layout was designed to also enhance the riders conditioning with continued eccentric and concentric movement patterns due to the pumping action back to back.  
 
“The ramps were designed to cater towards various lines between left and right at competition size and transitions to mimic international courses. 
 
“Having the Freestyle Australian Cycling Team all now living on the Gold Coast with the support of Cycling Australia, this facility will make for some banger sessions for their progression.”

2020 has been a challenging year for everyone and circumstances have made it even more important for us all to stay connected and be willing to support those around us.

Cycling Australia encourages all coaches, athletes and our cycling community to take time on Thursday 10 September to reflect on R U OK? Day and how we each make time in our relationships for asking R U OK? and remember, there is more to say after R U OK?

Australian Cycling Team staff and athletes will gather together on Thursday 10 September for a morning tea and walk two laps of the Adelaide Superdrome to highlight R U OK? Day and the importance of creating space for conversations.

#RUOKDay is on Thursday 10 September and is a reminder that a conversation could change a life. This year we are learning what to say after R U OK? so we can keep the conversation going when someone says “No, I’m not OK”. Resources are available at www.ruok.org.au

#RUOK is an important question but there’s more to say after R U OK? If someone says they’re not OK, make time to listen, encourage action and check-in. That conversation could change, or even save, their life.

You don’t have to be an expert to keep the conversation going when someone says they’re not OK. By knowing what to say you can help someone feel supported and access appropriate help long before they’re in crisis, which can make a really positive difference to their life

More on R U OK? 

People are also encouraged to learn what to say after R U OK? and download R U OK? resources from ruok.org.au for tips and ideas to help them share the message in their community.

Useful contacts for someone who is not OK - Encourage them to talk to a trusted health professional or call on these Australian crisis lines and professionals:
​

• Lifeline (24/7) 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au
• Suicide Call Back Service (24/7) 1300 659 467 suicidecallbackservice.org.au
• Beyond Blue (24/7) 1300 224 636 beyondblue.org.au
• Kids Helpline (24/7) 1800 55 1800 kidshelpline.com.au 

​The Australian Cycling team is participating in R U OK? Day with support from AIS; and the Podium Potential Academy is proudly supported by Commonwealth Games Australia.

Hear from some of the Australian Cycling Team as they discuss their insights and experiences of riding through COVID-19.

Hosted by Matt Poyner, our panel on Tuesday 1 September included Victoria's dual Paralympic champion Carol Cooke, 2016 Games medalist Stuart Tripp, four-time reigning world champion Emily Petricola and multiple national champion Hannah Macdougall.

Hear from the Victorian Members of the Australian Cycling Team who took part in a live webinar to hear their insights and experiences of riding through COVID-19.

Tokyo 2020 Olympic team members Leigh Howard, Kell O’Brien and Luke Plapp, Podium Potential Academy member Ruby Roseman-Gannon and Australian Cycling Team Lead Endurance Coach Tim Decker chatted with Matt Poyner about challenges, opportunities and the things they have learned since the COVID-19 Pandemic hit earlier this year. 

WATCH NOW

NEXT 

Our second ‘Riding through COVID-19’ live webinar will feature Paralympic and world champion cyclists Carol Cooke, Stuart Tipp, Emily Petricola and Hannah Macdougall on Tuesday 1 September.  ​

Saturday 15 August | 189 days since the crash | 136 days in rehabilitation

It has been some time since the last update and many people have been asking how Kai is doing. We’re super pleased to report that Kai continues to make strong progress in all aspects of his rehabilitation.

It’s Saturday 15 August today and we have just passed two key milestones. The first of these was 29 July which is Kai’s 24th birthday, this is highly significant because there was a time when we were not sure he would see his next birthday at all. The second important date was 8 August — exactly six months since Kai had his crash. In some ways, it feels like an eternity since the crash because of the intensity of what has been going on but it also feels like time has gone so quickly.  Either way, it is good to sit down and reflect on how the past four months in rehabilitation have been.

The last update we made was in April two weeks after Kai had arrived at BIRU (Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit). The first few weeks Kai was there were pretty tough for us emotionally as we adjusted to the new setting. However, it was really good to finally have Kai in a place focussed on his rehabilitation and to be actively starting on his recovery.

It was at this point we were able to understand a little more about Kai’s injury and the impact it has had. As a result of his crash, Kai suffered serious bleeding deep inside the left-hand side of his brain, this created extensive stress and damage in some areas. Doctors called it a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). Specifically, Kai lost the ability to move the right side of his body (leg, arm, face), he was not able to speak; he could not make any sounds at all. As things progressed it became evident Kai could not find the right words and had severe short term memory challenges. Kai also forgot how to do basic things like cleaning his teeth — so has needed to re-learn everything again from zero. Furthermore, Kai lost 20kg in weight while in Canberra ICU and was so weak he could not sit or even hold up his head.

So there was a big list of things to work on……

Rehabilitation for Kai has been focussed in a number of key areas: Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Diversional Therapy, Psychology and Social Work.

As Kai became stronger his schedule became a lot more intense. Initially, he was only doing a few hours a day and he was so tired he needed to rest at lunchtime for a couple of hours. Over time he began to put on weight and was able to do better with his exercises.

We began to notice improvements in all areas, communication improved a little, he became stronger and he started to gain some movement in his right leg. The physiotherapists focussed their attention on his leg and 14 weeks after the crash Kai was finally able to stand-up for the first time with assistance. This was a major step for us and it gave us hope that he might be able to walk again.

As Kai was doing his best to recover the BMX and broader community were all doing some amazing things to provide him with assistance. Sam and Alise Willoughby started the “77 for 77” initiative which spread like wildfire and was a lot of fun. Sam started by doing 77 bench presses with 77kg, Alise did the same with 77lbs. They then threw out the challenge and suddenly everyone was doing 77 somethings for 77. Simply amazing.

It was around this time that Matt Carmichael from Channel 7 contacted us to do a news story on Kai and if you haven’t seen it, the link is here. Matt did a really nice job of telling Kai’s story. 

Kai’s approach to rehabilitation has been the same as his approach to training, he simply wants to ensure everything within his control is done to the best of his ability. The therapists have been super impressed with Kai’s strength and determination:

• … shows 110% commitment to physio on a daily basis. His immense focus and countless hours in the gym are helping him smash his goals (Physiotherapy)
• … is working very hard to regain his independence in many of his day to day activities, His perseverance with his recovery is something to be admired (Occupational Therapy)
• … is extremely motivated in his approach to therapy, both within and outside of our sessions. His positive attitude and work ethic are very impressive (Speech Therapy)

In the meantime, in typical Kai manner, he would turn to us at the end of the day and say “I’m really not sure if I am doing enough to get better”………

Four months after the crash Kai was finally able to start coming home for weekends, this was another major step for us all. He was really pleased to come back and have some home cooking, it also meant he could have visits from friends who he has not seen for some time. Kai comes home on Friday afternoons and we take him back to the rehabilitation unit on Sunday evenings so he can be ready to start rehabilitation on Monday first thing.

Having Kai at home on the weekends means he is able to work closely again with Saya. A few weeks ago he was able to watch her sprint training and help with the timing. The relationship Kai and Saya have is very special which is not surprising given the amount of time they spent together travelling the world doing BMX. Zwift Japan and First Track Athlete Management Company assisted Saya with a Zwift charity ride for Kai. The event was live-streamed on Instagram and bike riders from all over the world participated. Kai was in our garage while Saya was doing this and was really pleased to be involved.

As a family, we’re supporting Kai in whatever way we can. One of us goes to the rehabilitation unit to assist with his therapies every day. We give him extra exercises, take him out for coffee, help with his stretches and generally make sure he has what he needs. The rehabilitation unit is doing a great job but sometimes things slip through the cracks and we are there to pick these up. As time progresses we’re seeing Kai can do a lot more by himself and we can back-off a little.

Recently Kai has started playing table tennis. As you can imagine this is difficult sitting in a wheelchair and using his left hand but he is improving. We’ve been trying to work on how many times we can get the ball over the net. The first time we were only able to manage 5 times but this soon increased to 30, then we made 102 and this continued to increase. Last week he managed 284 with his Physiotherapist which was amazing and we have now set a target of 500. Kai loves the challenge and it’s great to be able to relax and have some fun.

The support Kai continues to receive is incredible and he tells us it really helps motivate him so please keep this going. Clubs are doing fundraisers, riders and friends are sending him messages on social media. Everywhere we look we can see #KaiFight77 stickers on helmets, car windows, bikes and other places. Last week the mother of a rider who Kai coached wrote and sang an amazing song about the challenges Kai is working through (look out for it on the #KaiFight77 Facebook page soon). We’re all so pleased he has not been forgotten.

Where is he now

• Speaking and communicating pretty well considering he could not say anything 4 months ago
• Moving most big muscles on his right leg
• Walking a little with assistance from people (it’s not pretty but it is happening)
• Moving his right shoulder and elbow a little
• Short term memory is improving

What’s next

• Continue working through rehabilitation
• Long process and we’re still not sure what the end game will look like.

Thank you so much to everyone who is with us on this journey.

One step at a time, one moment at a time … let’s go 

Regards,

Kai Sakakibara Family

In response to the current global COVID-19 pandemic, Cycling Australia (CA) wish to make public its current position on its international competition activities. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) currently advises there is a ban on overseas travel from Australia. Australian citizens cannot leave Australia without an exemption from DFAT.

Our primary concern is the health of our athletes and staff. As such, CA will not be conducting any national team campaigns or projects outside of Australia before 1 January 2021 with the following possible exceptions: 

1. CA’s position may be reconsidered for activities in New Zealand in the event there is a government-endorsed Trans-Tasman travel bubble.
2. CA’s position may be reconsidered for the 2020 UCI Road World Championships, the 2020 UCI MTB World Championships, the 2020 MTB Marathon World Championships, 2020 season Mountain Bike World Cups and remaining 2020 season BMX World Cups. 

When considering its position in relation to the above events, CA will consider a range of factors including but not limited to the most up-to-date DFAT position, the current COVID-19 position of the host country, information from the UCI and Event Organisers, and the ability of CA to appropriately provide for the health and safety of the team and the community.

In respect of the 2020 UCI Road World Championships, CA will continue to monitor the situation. CA will only consider selecting and endorsing entries for Elite riders. Riders in these categories wishing to be considered will need to have been based in Europe for a minimum of two (2) weeks prior to the date of the start of the competition in question. 

For the avoidance of doubt, CA will not enter any U19 (UCI Junior category) riders in any overseas events over which it has entry jurisdiction between now and 31 December 2020 (regardless of any potential exceptions listed above) and will not be selecting U23 riders for the 2020 UCI Road World Championships. 

Decisions in relation to mountain bike events will be reached in conjunction with MTBA. Decisions in relation to BMX events will be reached in conjunction with BMXA. 

​CA will continue to monitor the global situation and reserves the right to modify its approach to its activities as the situation develops over the next few months.

FISE is currently hosting first ever digital stage of FISE Montpellier which is taking place 100% online through August and September!
​
E-FISE Montpellier is a and innovative online experience, enabling fans and athletes and fans to connect online.  ​

Aussies Logan Martin and Natalya Diehm are in the running - check out their runs below. 

VISIT THE E-FISE PLATFORM FOR MORE INFO

http://e-fise.com/en/montpellie

As the uncertainty of the COVID-19 Pandemic continues and as the timelines for easing of restrictions varies across the country, Cycling Australia (CA) can confirm the 2020 Elite & U19 Track National Championships in Brisbane has been rescheduled to December. 

In considering the decision, CA consulted with state governments, medical experts and our Member States, to ensure that the Championships operate in a manner that is accessible, fair and safe for all participants, officials and local communities. 

The Championships was initially scheduled for March 2020, but was postponed to September following the outbreak of COVID-19 Pandemic. The Championships will now be contested from 16-20 December in conjunction with the Para-Track National Championships (18-20 December) to create a blockbuster five-day feast of track cycling at the Anna Meares Velodrome. 

The Championships is expected to attract a host of Australia’s best, including those athletes aiming for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, across the traditional team and individual events including the sprint, pursuit, time trials, Madison and Omnium. 

While Australia’s Team for the 2020(1) Paralympic Games is yet to be named, Emily Petricola and Paige Greco will use the nationals to further push their names in front of selectors for the Games. 

“It’s disappointing that the Games were postponed but we’re all looking forward to getting back into serious racing at the nationals, which is always a highlight,” said Petricola, a C4 pursuit, omnium and scratch race world champion.“(If selected) This would be my first Paralympics if chosen so I’m hopeful a vaccine can be found so it can go ahead.

“You can’t spend too much time worrying about it, you’ve just got to keep training in the hope that it is going to happen.”
​
The program and entry information for the rescheduled Elite and U19 Track National Championships will be available soon at tracknationals.org.au. 

2020 Track National Championships - Frequently Asked Questions

Tasmania’s Amy Cure, 27, has announced her immediate retirement from international cycling following a glittering twelve-year career representing Australia on the highest stage.

“It’s one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make,” said Cure, who was selected to the Australian Olympic Team for Tokyo 2020 last March. Cure revealed her decision to retire came following the postponement of the Games due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. “I feel the same as I do on the start line at an Olympic Games or World Championships. I’m incredibly nervous, but also so excited for the unknown.”
​ 

 

One of the world’s most decorated track cyclists, Cure etched her name onto almost every honour board with her enviable resume boasting three world titles, two Commonwealth Games gold medals, three Australian Olympic Team selections and ten national titles. 

Cure stands alone as the only track cyclist in history to win a medal in six different world championship events - the individual and team pursuits, points and scratch races, the Madison and the omnium. Her 13 career World Championships medals (3 gold, 5 silver, 5 bronze) ranks second all-time for Australia’s female track cyclists behind Anna Meares (27). ​

“I have settled on this decision for a little while now, and I’m confident I have made the right choice and am excited for the next chapter in my life,” said Cure. “Cycling is and will always be something for which I’ll be forever grateful. It’s taught me so many valuable lessons that have shaped me into the person I am today. I’ve learned to be disciplined, perseverant and optimistic, but I think one of the biggest things I’ve learnt is how to be resilient.
 
“I’m satisfied with the achievements I’ve accomplished across my career, and my time with the Australian Cycling Team has given me so many incredible things in my life, and I’m so thankful for the opportunities and experiences I have had and the friends I have made. 

“But after making cycling my priority for the last decade, my relationships with family and friends are my priority now.”

Cure’s interest in cycling was sparked at the age of twelve after a visit to watch the Tasmanian Christmas Carnivals with her family. 

After quickly joining her local Cycling Australia club, Mersey Valley Devonport, Cure began to impress on the national stage as a teenager, before turning heads while on her Australian debut when she claimed four junior (Under 19) world titles across 2009 and 2010, including setting a world record in the individual pursuit. 

Cure made her elite World Championships debut in 2011 at the tender age of 18, before her first Australian Olympic Team experience came a year later with selection for the London 2012 Olympic Games. At the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, an unfortunate training crash on the eve of the Games cruelled the team’s chances of a podium finish. 

Breaking through for the first of three world titles in 2014 with victory in the points race in Colombia, Cure added a second rainbow jersey one year later in France after victory in the team pursuit in world record time (with Melissa Hoskins, Ashlee Ankudinoff and Annette Edmondson). 

At the 2019 UCI Track World Championships in Poland, Cure secured her third world crown with Ashlee Ankudinoff, Alexandra Manly, Annette Edmondson and Georgia Baker in the team pursuit. 

Amy contested two Commonwealth Games, firstly in Glasgow in 2014 where she won silver and bronze medals, before dual gold on home soil at the 2018 Games on the Gold Coast.

While focused on the track, Cure also achieved success on the road with a triple victory (GC, Youth and Points Classification) in the 2013 Tour de Feminin in the Czech Republic a highlight, while also contesting such WorldTour Classics as Ronde Van Vlaanderen, La Flèche Wallonne and La Course by Tour de France. 

“The 2018 Commonwealth Games Gold medals would have to be up there for one of the best. A home Games is something so special and to have all your loved ones close by was incredible,” said Cure, who revealed her 2019 world title was her greatest achievement. 

“Four months prior to those world championships, I had a breakdown of a long-term relationship that came to an unexpected end. It was a difficult and dark time, so to be able to come out and win the gold medal despite the circumstances was an incredible self-achievement and my proudest moment.”

While Cure walks away from the team with a third Australian Olympic Team selection secured, she is confident that her squad has the goods for success in Tokyo in 2021. 

“I really believe they have the girls to give Australia every opportunity of success in Tokyo as they have great depth, talent and coaching.

“It’s been a difficult decision as I know Glenn O’Shea will be an exceptional coach. That made it hard in my decision making as I know it’s a huge set back in moving forward.

“I would much rather allow someone else that has the drive, energy, motivation and potential to be great. I believe they will do just as good, if not better without me there. And there is no doubt in my mind about that.

Cure paid tribute to the many people integral to guiding her along her journey in the sport. 

“I’ve been fortunate to have some pretty influential people in my career, both on and off the bike. It is hard to thank everyone, but I would like to mention Matthew Gilmore, who has been beside me all 15 years of my career. Whether it was in the TIS as a coach or CA, he has been such an influential mentor to myself personally and my career as a cyclist. 

“And the other would have to be the Trengove family. I moved in with them ten years ago when I was trying to make my first Olympic Games, and they have been so supportive and understanding.

“And to my teammates who have been there every single day along the way and the support from all the staff at both Cycling Australia and the Tasmanian Institute of Sport. They have given me so many opportunities for which I will be forever grateful. 

“And finally, a thank you to my family back in Tassie. They have been so supportive of me across the whole journey, through all the ups and downs. I wouldn’t have achieved what I did without their support.”

“I want to personally thank Amy for her tremendous contribution to the sport of cycling for more than 15 years,” said Cycling Australia Performance Director Simon Jones. “I fully support Amy’s decision to retire, understanding the significance to her and the team. From all the team, we wish you well for the future."

Cycling Australia will nominate a new athlete to the AOC for selection to the Tokyo 2020 Australian Olympic Team in line with its nomination criteria. 

Amy Cure - Career Snapshot  

• 3x World Champion (Elite - 2014 Points Race, 2015 & 2019 Team Pursuit) 
• 3x Olympian (2012, 2016, Named to 2020 team prior to retirement) 
• 2x Commonwealth Games gold (2018 - Team Pursuit & Scratch Race)
• 10x National Champion (Elite)
• 4x Junior World Champion (2009 & 2010)

Below is an update on the nomination processes for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, plus a notice regarding no Australian Team selection for the 2020 UCI Junior Track World Championships in August, in Egypt. 

Olympic & Paralympic Nominations Update

Following the deferral of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games until 2021 and recent Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announcements, Cycling Australia (CA) can make the following updates with regards to nomination processes for the following teams after the suspension of the qualification periods as of 3 March 2020.

For Mountain Bike, BMX Freestyle and BMX Race (Supercross), the Olympic qualification periods for which should have ended on 11 May 2020, 27 May 2020 and 1 June 2020 respectively, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) replied favourably to the following propositions from the UCI:

• Mountain Bike Cross Country (XCO): The points awarded at two weekends of the UCI MTB XCO World Cup during the 2021 season will be added to those taken into account in the ranking of 3 March 2020. The weekends are still to be determined and will be communicated at a later date.
• BMX Freestyle: The points awarded at two weekends of the UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup during the 2021 season will be added to those taken into account in the ranking of 3 March 2020. The weekends are still to be determined and will be communicated at a later date.
• BMX Race: The points awarded at two weekends of the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup during the 2021 season and at the 2020 UCI BMX World Championships will be added to those taken into account in the ranking of 3 March 2020. The remaining UCI World Cup weekends are still to be determined and will be communicated at a later date.  CA will also await further updates from UCI as to the rescheduled dates for the 2020 UCI World Championships and the 2021 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup schedule.

With regards to Para-cycling and Road:  
​

• Para-cycling: The UCI Management Committee has approved a modified qualification system based on the principles applied for the Olympic qualification process mentioned above. This is awaiting approval from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). The points gained in the UCI combined nations ranking up until 3 March 2020 will remain valid and will see the addition of points earned in the first two rounds of the UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup for the 2021 season. The weekends are still to be confirmed and will be announced at a later date.
• Road: Cycling Australia will add several races from the 2020 calendar to the Olympic nomination document but races in 2021 will be weighted with higher importance. The selection window will be frozen for the majority of the 2020 season and will resume before the 2020 UCI Road World Championships and will include events up until the end of April 2021.

“With specific regard to the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) nomination process, we will continue with our approach to nominate athletes with medal-winning potential as a priority,” said Performance Director Simon Jones.

“These changes to the qualification window simply mean we have more time to get those nation quotas that will support our medal targets. With COVID-19 looking like it's under control in Australia, we will need to make the best of this situation and work towards 2021 goals.”

No Cycling Australia National Team Selection for 2020 UCI Junior Track World Championships

Due to the Australian Government’s international travel bans as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, CA will not be selecting a team to compete at the 2020 UCI Junior Track World Championships which are scheduled for 16 - 21 August 2020, in Egypt. 

“It is unfortunate that we have had to make this decision, but the health and safety of our athletes and staff team is paramount,” said Performance Director Simon Jones.
 
“As a high-performance network, we will continue to create domestic opportunities for developing athletes as we have done recently with the Under 19 Individual Time Trial camp and the High Performance Network (HPN) virtual camps in April.” 

Updates on the next camp will be communicated shortly.

Cycling Australia says thank you - National Volunteer Week 

As the country celebrates National Volunteer Week, Cycling Australia would like to thank all our wonderful volunteers who give their time to keep the wheels of our great sport turning across Australia.

The contributions and sacrifices of thousands of volunteers across our hundreds of clubs, events and the Australian Cycling Team, ensure our cyclists, participants and spectators can share in and enjoy our great sport. 

The theme for National Volunteer Week 2020 is “Changing Communities. Changing Lives” and it is clear that we have many unsung heroes who are doing just that across the country. 

In the Australian Cycling Team, Olympian Stephanie Morton has been making a difference through her volunteer work with the University of South Australia Invictus Pathways Program.

The Invictus Pathways Program is for current and past-serving veterans and emergency first responders who have physical, emotional and/or psychological conditions often suffered as a result of traumatic events. The aim of the program is to provide pathways for community reintegration, rehabilitation and recovery programs and to also provide goal setting, peer to peer activities and to support well-being.
 
The Program utilises sport and exercise to help those impacted achieve life goals and Morton jumped at the opportunity to become an ambassador in 2017 and has attended a number of training camps with athletes. 

“Having been a part of the Australian Para-cycling program from 2010-2012, I thought it was a great opportunity to pass on some of my experience and even learn a thing or two myself,” said Morton, a 2012 London Paralympic Games gold medallist as a Tandem Pilot. 
 
“These people have literally sacrificed their lives to keep ours safe, so being able to chat with them and even just be a small part of their journey is humbling. 

“We talk about everything from recovery to race day pressure, but I enjoy attending their events and functions where I hear them share their story or be recognised for their efforts at the Invictus Games.”

Ever wanted to ride with the Australian Cycling Team? Well this is your chance!

Cycling Australia is providing a virtual racing, workout and participation series on the online training platform Zwift which aims to get people active and have fun while the COVID-19 pandemic keeps us indoors.

Every Saturday at 10.00am AEST, cyclists will have their chance to ride with Olympians, Paralympians and world champions of the Australian Cycling Team in a variety of sprint and endurance HIIT rides.

Carol Cooke - Women's Only Ride 

Join world & Paralympic champion Carol Cooke for a women's only ride this Saturday 23 May at 10am AEST on Zwift. 

Register now via the Zwift Companion App. 

Following a review of the Australian Cycling Team’s Performance Strategy and operations, Cycling Australia is undertaking an operational restructure of the Australian Cycling Team which will support its objectives for Tokyo 2021 while underpinning the athlete pathway and coach development through to 2024 and beyond. 

A review was scheduled to take place after the completion of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020, however, the review was brought forward to ensure a smooth transition to new operations ahead of the rescheduled Games in 2021 and a shortened performance cycle through to Paris 2024. 

This restructure does not represent a change of strategy, but rather a refinement of the way the current strategy is delivered. The objective of the restructure, which is primarily focused on the track and para programs, is to maximise performance by supporting and developing coaches to deliver and lead their programs with tighter performance support teams, meaning that communication, training, and preparation will be streamlined.

As a result of the changes detailed above, eleven roles will be restructured, resulting in seven staff members leaving the team, with a further four staff members being offered refocused roles. The Team will recruit a number of new roles including a Director of Coaching and Director of Performance Pathways. 

Steve Drake, CEO, Cycling Australia: “I would like to thank the departing staff members for their significant contributions to the Australian Cycling Team during their tenures. While we are very conscious of the timing of these decisions, the deferral of the Olympic and Paralympic Games necessitated these changes being made now and is in the best interests of the athletes and the broader performance team.”

Simon Jones, Performance Director, Australian Cycling Team: “With the delay of Tokyo 2020 and the interruption of normal performance activity due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we believe that it is in the best interests of the entire program to complete a review and to implement this restructure now. 

“The period post-Tokyo 2021 will see a condensed competition phase that includes the 2021 Road and Track Cycling World Championships, Paralympic and Olympic Nation / World Cups, followed shortly by Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022 which is a major objective for the team.
 
“We believe these changes increase our chance of success in 2021 with more focussed and strategically aligned teams, and at the same time we will look closely at our pathway strategies over the coming months to ensure we have a surplus of talent creating upward pressure in the pathway to meet Cycling’s 2024 and 2028 medal potential.” ​

As the world continues to move in and out of differing levels of isolation and lockdowns, Australian Cycling Team athletes both in Australia and across the globe are adopting a variety of strategies to deal with the closure of training facilities and gyms, the cancellation of racing and the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Since heading into lockdown in March, the Australian Cycling Team road, bmx, track and para-cycling squads have taken part in digital catch-ups, with the online forums providing an opportunity for all to discuss their current situations while sharing their own strategies and methods they are using to navigate through the challenging time. 

Loungeroom pilates, yoga and meditation sessions, setting up home gyms, taking business, cooking and Zumba classes, knitting bespoke clothes and adopting pets are just some of the strategies being adopted in addition to ramping up their indoor racing and training programs. 

Many of Australia's internationally-based road athletes returned to Australia quickly after border and flight restrictions were imposed across the world, and while the majority of the women's peloton headed back down under, a few athletes chose to stay at their homes in their adopted European countries including Italy, Spain, Switzerland, France and Finland. At the same time, the men remain scattered across Europe with the majority at home in two of the hardest-hit countries in Italy and Spain.

​Road Technical Director Brad McGee has been impressed with the positivity of all athletes and their ability to create strategies for staying fit, active physically and mentally and remain in communication with their wider community. 

"This group continues to amaze me with their ability to keep a healthy balance," McGee explained. "Accepting the struggles and seeking ways forward with that Find-A-Way attitude essential to high-performance sport, they are instrumental in navigating through this shared community challenge. 

"Staying connected is super important now and will continue in the future. Sharing information plus each other's challenges and solutions with a laugh where possible is essential. 

"We have made these catch-ups a regular feature, and I hope our wider community can take on board and benefit from how these athletes are combatting the current issues." 

Similarity, BMX Technical Director Wade Bootes believed the challenge for the athletes to adapt to the restrictions will inspire critical thinking across the squad. 

Most of Australia's leading BMX Racing and Freestyle athletes returned to Australia, with Brandon Loupos choosing to remain in the USA where he has access to a training facility. 

"The recent isolation restrictions have inspired more creativity to continue progression," Bootes explained. "The BMX group is used to working remotely and using technology to be engaged, this will only increase as individuals but also as a group.  

"Now knowing the goalposts have been moved (Olympic Games), this allows us to revisit areas to work on in this extended period. Once you start to focus on the controllables, you can quickly structure activities around the boundaries we are all forced to live by in a safe and respectful way.

For Chloe Hosking, she is relieved after an early return to Australia and to her support structure in her family.  

"Rally Cycling actually cancelled our European racing block before other races began to be cancelled, and I appreciated the team making an early decision to give all the riders some certainty. It was a really anxious and uncertain time, and I know I don't do well in those environments. I like a plan and structure. So by the team making an early call to send us home, I was able to head back to my family where I have the best support." 

Hosking has revealed she has taken the opportunity to make the most out of a bad situation and is encouraging others to do the same. 

"Leading into this year I'd made the decision to defer my study until after the Olympics so I hadn't been studying in the early part of the year. So I made the assessment that I would be in Australia for an indefinite period of time and enrolled in some law courses which will help me get closer to completing my post-graduate law studies.  

"My husband and I also made the decision that there was never going to be a better time than now to adopt a puppy as we have a lot of time at home coming up to bond with her and for her to learn about us and us about her.

"If you can, I would highly encourage people to use this period to foster or adopt a pet. They bring so much joy into your lives and also give you a sense of purpose and routine." 

Mitchelton-Scott's Luke Durbridge is into his third week of lockdown with his wife in their Spanish apartment with outdoor trips only permitted for food shopping or medical supplies. 

"We are lucky, we have a big apartment and we are soaking up as much sun on the terrace as we can," Durbrudge said. "I have been getting creative in terms of cooking and baking, making a lot of nice meals. 

"Have been doing a lot of indoor training done on Zwift which is challenging, but has been a lot of fun. But we are trying to do our bit by staying indoors as the health workers don't need any added factors like us cyclists out on the road crashing or having to go to the hospital and putting stress on the system. 

"Lots of facetime with family and friends, I have never facetimed so much in my life as I wasn't such a big fan of it, but now, with everything going on, you just want to see people's faces.

"I also have an electronic drumkit here in the apartment, and I am hopefully not annoying my neighbours too much as I have been putting the headphones on and playing that a fair bit."

For some athletes, there is an upside to home isolation with BMX Freestyler Logan Martin benefiting from his investment in a personal skatepark, gym and pool at his Gold Coast home. 

"I would usually go to a functional styled gym with classes, but they are now doing them online which I just do at my house. And I can ride my skatepark as much as I need to, so that is definitely a good thing during times like this." 

Adelaide-based track and para-athletes have either remained in Adelaide, with some athletes taking advantage of the extended break to return to their native home states and prepare their bodies and minds for the postponed Olympic Games which have moved to July 2021. 

"I feel optimistic about having one more year to prepare considering my body has felt on edge for the past six months," said Kaarle McCulloch who sees the opportunity in the adversity. "I think it's a good opportunity for people to take a step back and take a breath and focus on the small delights of life. I've started reading again, 

"I've seen more of my family in the last two weeks than I have for the past two years. Sure life is different but it's only going to be different for a while. 

"Soon enough we'll be busy and focused again. Sometimes life throws us a curveball and we don't always have to see it as an adversity, I see this time as an opportunity."

For those remaining in Adelaide, many are enjoying riding outdoors (as individuals or pairs only) while it is still permitted, and while the Super-drome track and gym remains closed, Strength and Power Coach Scott Baker managed the implementation of home gyms for athletes. 

Performance psychology and mental health support for the members of the Australian Cycling Teams and squads continues though remote servicing through coaches and Cycling Australia's Head of Performance Psychology and Behaviours, Dr Ruth Anderson. 
 
"All athletes will have their own plans devised and will be implementing their own strategies to assist in optimising their mindset as we face the challenges of the next few months," said Anderson, who highlighted common key principles for all the team members are to:  

• Accept and learn how to tolerate a level of anxiety that will be triggered by uncertainty and be proactive in managing your psychological state. 
  
• Keep your focus on the short term by creating new plans and routines around current restrictions, and be assertive in managing what is within your control in the current moment. 
  

"While our circumstances and environments have significantly changed, what doesn't change is our capacity to continue to work with riders on developing psychological ability and keeping everyone's mind fit" Anderson added.  

The Australian Cycling Team is pleased to announce the Athlete Memberships across all disciplines for 2020/21.

In all, 62 athletes will feature across the Para-cycling Track and Road (15), Track Sprint and Endurance (17), BMX Race and Freestyle (7), Road (13), and Podium Potential Academy (10) programs after being classified in the Podium, Podium Ready and Podium Potential categories. About the Australian Cycling Team Pathway. 

The Para-cycling (Track and Road) memberships include reigning Paralympic and world champions Carol Cooke and David Nicholas, plus Emily Petricola and Darren Hicks in a 15-athlete squad.  

The Track program is highlighted by Matthew Glaetzer, Stephanie Morton, Annette Edmondson and Samuel Welsford and welcomes three new members in Matthew Richardson (Sprint), Maeve Plouffe and Lucas Plapp (Endurance) who have progressed through the Podium Potential Academy^ pathway. 

In BMX, three athletes - Natalya Diehm (BMX Freestyle) and Lauren Reynolds and Izaac Kennedy (BMX Race) will receive Individual Athlete Performance Support (IAPS) memberships. The trio joins reigning world champion Brandon Loupos, 2017 world champion Logan Martin, plus Saya Sakakibara and Anthony Dean. 

Amanda Spratt, Chloe Hosking, Rohan Dennis and Michael Matthews headline the Road IAPS memberships, with five new athlete memberships to be provided to Brodie Chapman, Grace Brown, Sarah Gigante, Jay McCarthy and Lucas Hamilton.   

The Podium Potential Academy has inducted four new members in Leigh Hoffman (Sprint), Ruby Roseman-Gannon and Joshua Duffy (Endurance/Road), in addition to Kristina Clonan who will transition from the Podium Track Endurance to the Academy’s Sprint program. Caitlin Ward (Sprint) will receive transitional support as she exits the program.

The Para-cycling (Track and Road) will see six riders exit the program in Kieran Murphy, Brad Henderson (retirement), Michael Shippley, Darcy Thompson, plus Tandem pilots Lachlan Glasspool and Luke Zaccaria.  The latter four will transition to their respective High-Performance Network (HPN) state-based programs. 

Macey Stewart and Cameron Scott will exit the Podium Track Endurance program, while in Road, Rachel Neylan, Gracie Elvin, Shara Gillow, Nathan Haas, Luke Durbridge, and Richie Porte exited in December 2019.

Caroline Buchanan (BMX Race) has not been offered a new BMX IAPS membership, however, she will receive transitional support until August 2020. Kai Sakakibara (BMX Race) is receiving support as he continues recovery and rehabilitation following a racing accident in February.
  
“As we continue to prepare for the resumption of racing, and ultimately the Olympics and Paralympics in 2021, the confirmation of athlete memberships gives everyone a chance to continue to sharpen their focus on their preparation and individual progress and development,” said Simon Jones, Australian Cycling Team Performance Director. 

“I would like to thank those team members exiting the program for their commitment to their own personal development and to the Australian Cycling Team program as a whole. 

“Re-entry to the program for these athletes is possible. Sometimes, stepping back and taking time away from something can be a way to move forward if their ambition and desire remain.”

^ About the Podium Potential Academy - Launched in November 2018 with an inaugural class of thirteen athletes across both endurance and sprint disciplines, the PPA programme, which is supported and partly funded by Commonwealth Games Australia, focuses on the long term development of athletes orientated around success at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and through to the 2024 Olympic Games and beyond.
​
Australian Cycling Team Athlete Membership 2020/2021 - Full list (PDF)

FULGAZ BENEFITS TO CA MEMBERS

• FulGaz is offering all CA members a 20% discount off their subscription fee. 
• Extension of the 2-week trial to a 4 week trial for all CA Members

​Your promo code can be accessed at: cycling.org.au/nat/exclusive-member-discounts-offers

ABOUT FULGAZ

With hundreds of virtual videos filmed on bikes in up to 4k, FulGaz transports you to iconic rides from around the world. It works with just about any indoor trainer, adjusting video speed and resistance to match your effort.

So go ahead and push yourself on hills that mimic the real road riding experience. When you’re done, upload to Strava, TrainingPeaks or Today’s Plan.

FulGaz will feel exactly the same as riding outdoors if it’s set up correctly. Take a moment to set up your weight and trainer settings. Your legs will thank you!

The #AusCyclingTeam’s ‘30 from 30 Series’ featured current and former Australian Cycling Team athletes, coaches and staff showing us the different, creative and unique ways they are keeping healthy and active both physically and mentally, and staying connected while in isolation or lockdown across Australia and the world.  

Day 64 - Easter Sunday

It’s been a tough 9 weeks so far with huge uncertainty and massive challenges for Kai, he has been fighting all the way and is making good progress. We’re eternally grateful for the support Kai has been receiving from friends and people who know him either personally or via social media, it’s a great boost for us in these difficult times. 

As a family, we have been focussed on Kai but we have realised that there are many people who feel as we do and are genuinely concerned. Updates have been hard because of the uncertainty around Kai’s condition so they have been vague in places. However, we all know Kai has always been open and honest in his social media posts even during the difficult times and we will try to do the same with the updates so everyone will have a better understanding of what is going on. We believe Kai would want you all to be with him on this journey wherever it goes.

A lot has been happening since the last Kai update 2 weeks ago and while there is positive news there is also the gradual understanding of just how serious Kai’s injury is.
The first piece of good news is Kai’s operations have finished; he now has a cool scar on his head which will be covered up as his hair grows back. We were lucky to have everything done before the Coronavirus put a halt on all non-essential surgery.

More exciting news Kai has finally left Canberra hospital after nearly 8 weeks and has moved to BIRU (Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit) in Liverpool. We have been told he can expect to be there for many months. The move is good for a number of reasons: 1. from a medical perspective he is well enough to leave the hospital; 2. he can start on the rehabilitation process; 3. he is closer to home; and, 4. BIRU is probably one of the safest places he can be during the Covid-19 virus pandemic.

Ten days ago when Kai arrived at BIRU he was able to respond to questions by pointing to ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ written on a piece of paper. Since then he has started to speak a little so does not need the paper anymore which is a great step. He can respond to simple questions but is still very confused. The crash has impacted the part of his brain responsible for speech, so the words are jumbled up and unclear - they just don’t come out how he wants which is frustrating for him. Sometimes he gets annoyed and sometimes he just puts on that patient Kai smile and we move on.

Kai has his phone and scrolls through social media every day, he ‘likes’ posts and tries to send text messages to friends but they are invariably scrambled. So, if you get a text from Kai don’t worry his account has not been hacked, he’s just trying to get in touch with people. Feel free to respond but don’t expect anything to make much sense at the moment.

So, Kai continues to ‘emerge’ from the state of unconsciousness, and we are super excited to start communicating with him. However, as time progresses it becomes more and more evident that this has been a truly serious injury. The doctors tell us Kai has a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) on the left side of his brain which is severely impacting his ability to move the right side of his body and also his ability to speak amongst other things. We have been told that Kai will have some permanent disability.

Rehabilitation has started, Kai has been undergoing a number of different types of therapy; Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. He is making solid improvements. It is all extremely tiring; one hour of physiotherapy in the morning will make him tired for the rest of the day, as you can imagine he always puts in 100% so this is to be expected. Next Tuesday we (Yuki, Saya and Martin) have a meeting with the therapists to define goals for Kai for the next four weeks. It’s really good to finally start on a structured program and we’re really looking forward to being part of Kai’s rehabilitation.

The Covid-19 pandemic brings an extra layer of challenges around Kai’s situation. We have to be super careful he does not get the Coronavirus, luckily he is in a safe place in Liverpool BIRU. As a family, we are limited to one visitor at a time so we rotate our visits so one of us will be there with him every day. We’re usually there most of the day from 10am until he has finished dinner around 6:30pm. Ideally, Kai would have more interaction with other people and we’re trying to work out the best way to do this.

Please continue to follow Kai’s progress and keep him in your thoughts, this is going to be long and we really appreciate you all being with us through these challenges.

“One day at a time, one moment at a time. Let’s go.”

Martin, Yuki, Saya

#KaiFight77 

Fundraising accounts

KaiFight77: BSB 182-182 | Account No 3380821 | Swift Code (for international) MACQAU2SXXX

​Road 2 Recovery (10% goes to the Road 2 Recovery foundation which is a good thing) road2recovery.com/cause-view/kai-sakakibara

Ever wanted to ride with the Australian Cycling Team? Well this is your chance!

Cycling Australia is providing a virtual racing, workout and participation series on the online training platform Zwift which aims to get people active and have fun while the COVID-19 pandemic keeps us indoors.

Every Saturday at 10.00am AEST, cyclists will have their chance to ride with Olympians, Paralympians and world champions of the Australian Cycling Team in a variety of sprint and endurance HIIT rides.

Following a review following the 2020 UCI Track World Championships held in Berlin in February, Glenn O’Shea has been appointed to lead the women’s track endurance program, while Paolo Menaspà will now lead the performance support coordination for the track endurance program alongside his other duties.

With the support of the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS), Glenn moves into the national coaching position from his senior VIS coaching role he has held since 2018.  O’Shea is a three-time world champion in the omnium and team pursuit, and a London 2012 Olympic Games silver medallist. 

Menaspà, a former Mapei scientist, coach for Greenedge and a UCI Junior Track World representative for Italy, brings an applied performance science and practical experience to the endurance team. 

As a result of the new appointments, Tim Decker will be able to maximise all his efforts to the Men’s Track Endurance objectives while Jason Bartram has been offered a new role within the team.