Riders’ recce on RoadNats track

THE FedUni WestVic Academy of Sport’s young elite cyclists are already gearing up for the Federation University Road National Championships in January.

The Academy hosted a cycling recon session last weekend on the Buninyong RoadNats course, in partnership with AusCycling, inviting their young crew, and other riders from across Victoria to get a taste of the track ahead of the major summer meet.

The small group was able to familiarise themselves with the track’s various landmarks and how to best navigate a lap, without the pressure of a competitive atmosphere.

WVAS cycling coach Cam McFarlane said Sunday was wet and wild, but lots of fun.

“The second FedUni Road Nationals recon session was a great success, with guest mentor Henry Dietz, from the Victorian Institute of Sport and Giant Racing, leading the group around the course out at Buninyong, providing his tips and experiences to the group,” he said.

“While the weather was closer to a winter’s day rather than a January summer’s day, the information is the same.

“Planning, preparation, equipment choice, course management and implementation was the focus of the day.”

WVAS executive officer Shenae Keleher said the Academy is continuing to work with AusCycling to make their program as accessible as possible to riders of the broader Ballarat region, and to rebuild a sense of community as the sport recovers from the pandemic.

“WestVic is one of, if not the only junior-type program for cycling in Victoria, so there’s a gap we’re trying to fill at the moment,” she said.

“A lot of our WestVic programs are more elite, but we want to make cycling more accessible for people, whether just for enjoyment, cross-training or active participation.

“Some people haven’t competed in such a long time and feel like they’re training with no intention and nothing to look forward to, so these recon sessions are about providing something for them to look forward to.”

A final session will be held on Sunday, 12 December.