Australian women’s road cycling continues to receive strong support from the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and is on track for international success.

The 2013 ORICA-AIS Women’s Road Cycling Team was officially launched at the AIS in January, receiving a warm reception from AIS staff, cycling supporters and the media.

The team includes the new national road champion Gracie Elvin and national time trial champion Shara Gillow, along with experienced international riders Loes Gunnewijk (Netherlands — team captain) and Emma Johansson (Sweden).

The ten-member squad produced some outstanding results at the Tour of Qatar this month, with three ORICA-AIS riders finishing in the top ten: Gracie Elvin (4th), Emma Johansson (6th) and Tiffany Cromwell (7th).

AIS Director, Matt Favier said the team was working with AIS sports scientists and support staff to ensure the best possible start to the 2013 season.

’When we announced Australia’s Winning Edge late last year we set some ambitious but achievable targets for Australia’s international performance in world championships, Olympics, Paralympics and Commonwealth Games,’ Matt said.

’We expect that both track and road cycling will make a significant contribution to achieving those goals and the ORICA-AIS team will play a leading role in supporting our very best cyclists.’

The Australian Government is investing $6.9 million for high performance cycling programs in 2012-13.

The ORICA-AIS Women’s Road Cycling Team is proudly supported by the AIS, Cycling Australia and ORICA-GreenEDGE.

The team includes: the new national road champion Gracie Elvin, national time trial champion Shara Gillow, along with experienced international riders Loes Gunnewijk (Netherlands — team captain) and Emma Johansson (Sweden).
 
2013 ORICA-AIS Women’s Road Cycling Team:

• Annette Edmondson
• Amanda Spratt
• Emma Johansson
• Gracie Elvin
• Jessie McLean
• Loes Gunnewijk
• Melissa Hoskins
• Shara Gillow
• Sungeun Gu
• Tiffany Cromwell.