A “CYCLONE” is set to hit Northbridge, with European cycling teams circling to scout Australia’s freshest young talent, says Olympic gold medallist and AusCycling Road Nationals race director Scott McGrory.
Having kicked off on Wednesday, the RoadNats is the first road racing event of the year, seeing the country’s best cyclists, para-cyclists, local riders and emerging talent compete against world-class pros in the hopes of winning a title and the right to wear a green and gold jersey.
• South Australia’s Will Holmes claimed the U23 Men’s Time Trial earlier this week as the RoadNats gave locals the chance to shine in front of European team scouts.
Rankings
The cycling competition is in its second year in Perth as part of a three-year deal with the WA government.
Mr McGrory says RoadNats presents a unique opportunity for local amateurs to earn points towards national and international rankings, while the timing is perfect for Aussies to shine for European talent scouts who’ve jetted in to check out the talent.
”If you look at all of the European championships they’re held at the end of June … the top riders of Tour de France are in peak condition so its tilted towards the big [European] professionals, whereas in Australia the big professionals haven’t even started their season yet,” Mr McGrory said.
“[RoadNats] creates an opportunity for the riders that are based in Australia [and] emerging young talent who haven’t really shown themselves and got contracts in Europe just yet, [to prove they] have the potential to maybe go into the World Tour and race in Europe if they’re well prepared.
Mr McGrory said the European teams will be closely monitoring the under-19 and under-23 results.
“Professional teams have contacted me after the championships, inquiring about particular riders that they’ve seen in the results and whether they should sign contracts with them or not,” he said.
“And I know several riders that have been given offers immediately after our national championships for European teams.”
Last year the RoadNats attracted 50,000 locals and another 5,000, with the City of Perth estimating it injected $9.4 million into the local economy.
by ISLA TOMLINSON