Geelong cyclists to go for gold

TWO of Geelong’s top cyclists are ready to make their moment in the green and gold count, following their selection to the ARA Australian Cycling Team.

Erin Rowell and Tahlia Clayton-Goodie will join the 13-strong team when it competes in the 2025 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from October 16–19.

Rowell will compete in the C4 classification and comes into the event in strong form.

The 42-year-old finished with a fourth and ninth in the women’s time trial and women’s individual pursuit at the 2024 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships.

Her best performance on the international stage came in 2022 when she earnt a bronze medal in the C5 women’s time trial in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France.

She said she couldn’t wait to travel over with the team and get stuck into some serious riding.

“I’m very excited… it’ll be my fourth world titles and I’m definitely looking forward to it.

 

“This will be the first year the women’s sprint event has changed from 500m to 1km, and I’m really looking forward to doing that on the world stage.”

Teammate Clayton-Goodie is fast becoming a mainstay of the ARA Australian Cycling Team and will be making her third appearance in the green and gold.

She will compete in the C1 classification for the first time at a Para-cycling Track Worlds, after a reclassification earlier this year.

Clayton-Goodie recently clinched two world cup gold medals in the C1 road race and time trial in Belgium

AusCycling’s head coach of para-cycling, Sheila Galloway, said she was incredibly proud of the team selected for this year’s event.

“It brings together Paralympic and world champions, world record holders and medallists, alongside athletes ready to make their mark across LA 2028 medal events including sprint, bunch and team races.

“I know each rider will take great pride in wearing the green and gold and showcasing the strength of Australian para-cycling on the world stage.”