The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Cycling program was tonight awarded the AIS Program of the Year award at a ceremony held in Canberra.

Minister for Sport Mark Arbib said the Cycling program, based in South Australia, dominated the awards winning tonight’s winning the AIS Athlete of the Year (Anna Meares), AIS Junior Athlete of the Year (Luke Durbridge) and AIS Team of the Year (Australian women’s team sprint – Anna Meares and Kaarle McCulloch).

“The tremendous results in cycling reflect the professionalism of this program, from athletes and coaching staff to the dedicated administrative staff and service providers,” Senator Arbib said.

“Our cycling coaches Gary West, Ian McKenzie, Martin Barras and James Victor who is based in Europe have been the backbone for much of the program’s success and integral to the development of Australia’s finest cyclists.

“It’s been a great year for the AIS cycling program and all involved should be very proud.” 

Acting AIS Director Phil Borgeaud paid tribute to the AIS cycling program for its outstanding achievements throughout 2011.

“All three AIS athletes gave gold medal winning performances at both the 2011 UCI Track and Road Championships,” Mr Borgeaud said

“Anna Meares claimed three gold medals at the 2011 UCI World Track Championships in the Keirin and Sprint events and with Kaarle McCulloch in the Team Sprint events.

“Durbridge won gold in the Under 23 Individual Time Trial at this year’s UCI Road World Championships in Copenhagen before claiming gold at the UCI Track World Championship in Holland as a member of the Australian Team Pursuit.

“This has been a great year for cycling and places Australia in very good stead as we prepare for London 2012.”
 
The full list of award winners is on the 2011 Honour Roll at www.ausport.gov.au

Minister’s media contact: Alison Hill 0407 570 640/02 9364 2600