The high performance programs for womens road cycling are considered a benchmark of performance by the worlds cycling nations and for good reason. The main goals of the program are to prepare athletes to deliver medal winning performances in womens endurance cycling events at the benchmark competitions, including the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, World Cups and UCI international level road competitions. The road race and individual time trial are the focus events for both National and AIS programs.

The HP womens road program was initiated in the late '80’s and has undergone a number of changes in that time to evolve into the structure which has since produced a stream of world class cyclists.

Through the National and AIS programs, Australia produced such talent as Sara Carrigan (Olympic Gold Medallist 2004), Anna Wilson (twice UCI World Cup Champion and World Championship silver medallist), Oenone Wood (twice UCI World Cup Champion and World Championship bronze medallist), Natalie Bates (Commonwealth Games Gold medallist 2006), Liz Taddich (World Championship silver medallist).

The Cycling Australia / AIS Womens Road program usually involves 5 to 7 riders who travel to Europe and North America each year pursuing an international racing schedule. The team bases itself nowadays for the majority of the international stint at the Australian European cycling base in Varese, Italy. Athletes are accommodated in self contained lodging and provided with access to professional on-site AIS support services including massage, physiotherapy, medics and mechanics while being managed and coached to compete as a team through some of the biggest womens road competitions in the world.

Selection into the Australian team is largely based on international competition results in the highest level UCI events.

For more information on the Elite Women's Road Program contact Elsa Lepore.