WESTERN Region Academy of Sport's cyclists are ready to ride for both their state and for individual glory across a busy weekend of racing action at the first round of the National Junior Track Series and the Country Track Championships.
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Bathurst's Cadel Lovett and Ebony Robinson, Orange's Lachie, Paddy and Cameron Crump, Xavier Bland and Oscar Hansen along with Dubbo's Isabelle Russell will be taking on both events at Dunc Gray Velodrome and Lidcombe Oval respectively.
WRAS cycling head coach Marian Renshaw said the team are excited to get on the boards after a strong build up.
"Given that it's a virtual round it means there won't be much bunch racing, so there will be a time trial, pursuit, flying 200m, a team sprint and a team pursuit," she said.
"We'll have the full academy there this weekend. The next round will actually be up at Brisbane, which we'll all be able to go to, and this one will bring together all the academies from NSW so we'll expect it to be quite competitive.
"I'm very proud of all our riders. Most of them set goals at the start of the year which they look set to complete, even though this hasn't been the easiest year."
Riders at the NJTS will look to earn points for their academy team and their state to see who comes out on top.
"Victoria were very dominant in this last year but I'm not sure how they'll go this time around because they've been shut down for a long time," Renshaw said.
"Overall it's a very good concept and the kids get a lot of fun out of it, and they get to use Dunc Gray while doing it."
The focus turns from teams to individual efforts at the following day's Country Championships.
Renshaw said the WRAS members should feature prominently at the event.
"Most of them will be going to the Country Championships at Lidcombe, and that's where the medals will be on offer
"We'll be looking forward to seeing them racing for a podium over there."
All states will be holding their opening NTJS round on either Saturday or Sunday.