Buchanan begins worlds preparation

Canberra-based rider Caroline Buchanan is readying herself for a journey to the opposite side of the world for July's world championships in Victoria, Canada. The youngster is busily preparing at home under the guidance of coach and father Laurie Buchanan.

"I'm doing a lot of training in at the ACTAS gym out at Lyneham, making sure I'm prepared before worlds," Buchanan told The Canberra Times. "The competition over there [in Canada] will be tough but will be a good challenge."

The 16 year-old recently claimed the Junior Women National Probikx title at the final round in Newcastle, New South Wales.

Despite her two wheeled success, factors outside her control will mean the future star of Australian BMX wont get to contest the sport's Olympic debut in Beijing next season.

"You need to be 19 to race at the Olympics," she added. "I will only be 18 at the time."

Buchanan, who also holds the 4X and downhill Oceania titles in her division, will also contest this year's Mountain Bike World Championships, to be held at Fort William in Scotland.