Kelly comeback targets Olympics #5

Australian Shane Kelly described plans for his try to make a fifth Olympics in Beijing in 2008. The four-time world champion announced his intentions at the Joe Ciavola Velodrome in Thornbury.

Despite taking seven months off in 2006, Kelly said to Cyclesport Victoria, "I still have the drive and ability to beat the best there is, and I am determined to give it all that I have got." During his time off from competition, Kelly worked as the High Performance Project Manager for Cycling Australia.

"Seeing cycling from that other angle was a real eye opener," said Kelly. "I had always been exposed to it whilst racing, like the strength and conditioning, testing etc, but just to see the work that goes in behind the scenes, it amazing. We have a great system and set up out here." Kelly worked with Australia's talent identification program to find and train developing racers.

Kelly will return to his home and the Australia Institute of Sport in Adelaide where he will begin a serious training program. Look for him at various UCI selection races this summer and during the 2007-08 track season while he turns his focus from the kilo to the team sprint and keirin.

"I have no illusions about making this team without hard work. But that's what drives me, the challenge," said Kelly to Cyclesport Victoria. "It is going to be hard, I mean there are 8 guys or so and only 3 or 4 spots available. The strength in Australian men's sprinting at the moment is unbelievable, I mean with the likes of Perkins, Bayley and French, I know that it will be tough."