Agnoletto on the right track

CYCLING young-gun Blake Agnoletto said he is very appreciative to once again receive the Bendigo Sports Star monthly scholarship.

The 19-year-old recently claimed his first solo elite medal with bronze in the individual pursuit and saw gold with fellow Victorian riders in the team pursuit at the national track championships.

“It’s unbelievable I was able to get those results so early since going up to the next age group,” he said.

“I was absolutely stoked with it, but mainly for all the people who’ve helped me the last couple years in keeping me on track.”

He said he’s very thankful to receive the scholarship award and will put the money towards his sport.

“You see how many people [Bendigo Sports Star] helps every year by giving grants and money to help us achieve our sporting goals, so it’s amazing,” he said.

“To know they’re behind me gives me that little more motivation to keep going further.

“In cycling a lot of things wear out, but now more than ever travelling gets more expensive; you need COVID permits, I had to get a UCI license, travel insurance.

“It all makes a massive difference, and it goes a long way. I’m very thankful for it.”

Later this year, Agnoletto will get his first taste of international cycling, when he heads to Europe for some road races.

“It’ll be a massive learning curve, but it’s going to be awesome just to experience the cycling cultures,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to it.”