“They’re here to excel”: Australian cycling stars seek psychological edge
Australia intend to land psychological blows ahead of the Rio Olympics when they attack the track cycling world championships this week.
Annette Edmondson at the Santos Women's Tour in Adelaide. Photo: Dan Peled, AAP.
Australia have little to lose at the London event, held at the Lee Valley VeloPark, but insist there can be much to gain if they produce some damaging victories over their rivals.
Great Britain, spurred on by a parochial home crowd, remain Australia’s fiercest rivals but there will also be opportunities to get a psychological edge over the ever-improving Canadian team ahead of the Rio Games in August.
“Definitely, I think you can land some psychological blows,” said two-time world champion Annette Edmondson.
“Success in elite sport mostly comes from your mental attitude… if you don’t believe you can do it, you’re not going to do it – it’s as simple as that.
“If we can come out on top in London, then that’s going to make a big difference at Rio.”
It’s why, despite the Rio Games undeniably being the major focus for the year, Australia’s National Performance Director Kevin Tabotta insists they will treat the world championships with respect – while also looking to lock down some medal-winning rides.
“We don’t approach a world championship at 90 per cent,” he said.
“You must approach it with the full respect it deserves. These athletes are here chasing rainbow jerseys, there’s no question about that.
“No athlete likes to turn up and just be part of the bunch, they’re here to excel and that’s what they’re trained for.”
Australia’s 20-strong squad will be trimmed to 15 by the June announcement of their squad for Rio, with performances this week to be viewed favourably as there are no major international track events remaining before the team is picked.
“The team has certainly not been finalised and this will be part of that selection process,” Tabotta said.
“Just by being here, you’re putting your hand up and saying ‘I want to be at the Rio Olympics’ but there’s only so many spots… there’s still a little bit of trimming [to come]”.
Competition starts on Wednesday, UK time, and Australia will have riders in all events aside from the men’s 1km time trial and the women’s scratch race, with Edmondson (omnium), Anna Meares (keirin), Rebecca Wiasak (individual pursuit) and the women’s team pursuit all looking to defend titles won in Paris last year.
-AAP
