Alessia targets Austral Wheelrace

THE Austral Wheelrace is in the sights of Bendigo cycling star and world track championships bronze medallist, Alessia McCaig.

A winner of 20 gold medals at national track titles across senior and junior level, McCaig is gearing up for the 127th edition of the Austral at the Darebin velodrome on December 21.

The Quest Ivanhoe Austral carnival will run December 19 to 21.

McCaig said the Austral will be a key part of her build-up to the Oceania titles in Brisbane in February, and Australian track championships in March.

McCaig rolls into the ’25 nationals as reigning champion in sprint, keirin and time trial.

A new challenge will be the increased distance for the time trial showdown.

“Next year it goes from 500 metres to 1000 metres,” she said.

“That’s going to be a great test.”

A lot of McCaig’s track workouts are at Darebin.

“There’s at least two sessions a week in Melbourne.”

McCaig capped her first world championships in Ballerup, Denmark by claiming bronze in the team sprint.

A goal is to be in the green and gold at next year’s world titles in Chile, not just in team sprint, but other disciplines.

Away from the track, McCaig has just completed a Diploma of Health Science through on-line studies with Charles Darwin University.

Another highlight was being the recipient of this year’s Jason Lowndes Scholarship, along with Blake Agnoletto.

“It’s an incredible honour and I am grateful for the support from Jason’s parents, Graeme and Trudie, and to all the award sponsors,” McCaig said.

Other recipients in this year’s scholarship intake were Nate Hadden, Lilyth Jones, Tasman Nankervis and Alana Fletcher.

Addison Torr was first recipient of the under-17 award.

A multiple finalist in Bendigo’s Sports Star of the Year, Alessia McCaig’s pursuits are helped along by McKern Foundation.