Australian cyclists from all disciplines are currently competing, training and some even studying all over the globe.
In the Alps in north east Italy 13 Australian riders including Olympic road race champion Sara Carrigan and Athens individual track pursuit silver medallist Katie Mactier are currently at an altitude training camp based out of a small village/ski resort Stelvio at 2780m.
Australian cyclists from all disciplines are currently competing, training and some even studying all over the globe.
In the Alps in north east Italy 13 Australian riders including Olympic road race champion Sara Carrigan and Athens individual track pursuit silver medallist Katie Mactier are currently at an altitude training camp based out of a small village/ski resort Stelvio at 2780m.
The ‘sleeping high and training low’ camp until July 20 involves athletes sleeping at altitude and then training at around 800m at the foot of the Dolomites.
The research study on the effects of high altitude is being led by Dr Dave Martin (AIS Sports Scientist) in conjunction with Italian based sports scientists from Mapei who is one of Cycling Australia’s sponsors.
To make the most of some down time the athletes will undertake a Level 1 Coaching Course run by CA National Technical Director Ron Bonham.
Shayne Bannan, Cycling Australia National Performance Director is very positive about the benefits of the camp and the coaching course initiative.
“It is an exciting project. We are hoping to get some really good research done and the educational component is unique to have this quality of athletes studying in the mountains,” Bannan said.
“Those participating may or may not have coaching aspirations in the future but we see great benefits in broadening the athletes’ knowledge.
“We schedule the camp around the preparations of all the athletes. For the girls (Sara and Katie) it provides good exposure to altitude which fits into their Beijing preparation.”
Meanwhile, Cadel Evans, Simon Gerrans, Brett Lancaster, Robbie McEwen, Stuart O’Grady and Michael Rogers are also set to be tested in altitude as they contest the pinnacle of road cycling, the Tour de France.
The track sprint squad including Olympic Champions Anna Meares and Ryan Bayley are commencing a training camp in Rockhampton before heading to America and Europe next month for Grand Prix races where Olympic qualification points are up for grabs.
The BMX squad will contest the World Championships in Victoria, Canada from 27-29 July. Results in Victoria will help determine country rankings and athlete participation numbers for the sport's Olympic debut in Beijing in 2008.
Australia need to be ranked in the top five for men and top eight for women at the end of the year to qualify the maximum of three men’s and two women’s spots for Beijing.
Olympic mountain bike hopefuls in the cross-country have been contesting the World Cup Series. The next round is in Slovenia on September 15.
Andrew Reid
AOC
