Cycling NSW announce track championships squad

Cycling NSW has announced this year's NSW U19 and Open Track Cycling Team that will contest the 2008 National Track Titles at the Dunc Gray Velodrome on February 4 - 10. With 2008 being an Olympic year, several of the 26 member squad are looking to produce fast times at Nationals to enhance their chances of Olympic selection.

NSW riders in this category include Ben Kersten, Kate Bates and Phil Thuaux - each of whom will be fresh from representing Australia in the L.A round of the Track World Cup. Supporting these Open riders is Robert Lyte and Richard Lang who turned in strong performances at the recent NSW State Track Titles.

"We have a very focused and determined team of athletes competing at this year's Nationals," said team manager Daniel Healey. "We also have outstanding coaching and mentoring support from Garry Sutton, Michael Kejda, Tim Decker and Graham Seers. Plus this event is being held in our home town so not only are we very familiar with the track, but we are sure to receive great support from our home crowd."

The young riders in the Under 19 squad have been drawn from all corners of the State and represent an emerging group of talented Endurance and Sprint based athletes. Paul Fellows, Scott Law, Megan Dunn and Lauren Kitchen will feature in the squad, after all showing excellent form. Together with Luke Davison and Alex Carver these U19 riders should provide some fantastic racing throughout the six day carnival.

NSW Track Cycling Team for National Titles:

Under 19
Men
Sprint: Paul Fellows, Scott Law, Peter Lewis
Endurance: Luke Davidson, Alex Carver, Aaron Donnelly, Ben Harvey
Women: Lauren Kitchen, Megan Dunn, Ash Ankudinoff, Sinead Cosgrove

Elite
Men: Richard Lang, Robert Lyte, Phil Thuaux, Dale Scarfe, Ben Kersten, Andrew Taylor
Women
Endurance: Kate Bates
Sprint: Kaarle McCulloch, Liz Georgouras, Cassandra Kell

Athletes with a Disability
Ben Demery, Shaun Hopkins (Pilot), Jayme Paris, Lindy Hou, Toireasa Gallagher (Pilot)