‘A Bit Unique’: Australian Elite Men’s Squad Eyes Golden Opportunities on Demanding World Championships Course
The Australian elite men’s road cycling team is approaching the upcoming UCI Road world Championships in Rwanda wiht a sense of cautious optimism, acknowledging the uniquely challenging course and late-season timing. Riders and staff recognise the event as ”tougher than a usual World championships,” presenting an unpredictable dynamic as the season draws to a close.
The course itself is a important factor, featuring a significant number of climbing metres and sections of cobbles. “It’s interesting, as no one really knows how it can pan out, with so many climbing metres, some cobbles… everyone will be interested in what the course is really like,” noted Australian rider Luke Scotson.
Several Australian riders are arriving at the Championships with recent racing experience,hoping to leverage the benefits of peak form. Scotson, having completed the Vuelta a España, believes “sometimes coming off the Vuelta can be a grate thing when you’ve got those tough legs.” The high altitude of Kigali is also expected to play a crucial role,with many teams incorporating altitude training into their preparations. Plapp specifically trained throughout August at an altitude mirroring the Rwanda course in the Pyrenees. “I think everyone going for the Worlds will have done something at altitude… But the altitude in itself will only make the racing harder,” Scotson added.
While a definitive leader hasn’t been announced, Australia appears to have multiple contenders. Scotson suggests “maybe three or so guys” could be in a position to challenge, highlighting the strong form of Jay Vine and Jai Hindley demonstrated during the vuelta. He also hinted at the potential for other riders to emerge as threats.
Scotson is personally pleased to be returning to the World Championships after being sidelined by illness last year. His best result to date came in the 2017 Elite world Championships, where he finished fifth in the U23 Time Trial. He intends to support the team’s designated leaders,contributing in the early and middle stages of the race.
the Australian squad is confident in its overall strength,especially its climbing ability. Scotson echoed teammate Jai Hindley’s assessment that Australia is fielding a “powerful squad,” and believes that, as demonstrated by Ben O’Connor’s unexpected podium finish last year, even riders not considered pre-race favourites can achieve success in the unpredictable surroundings of the World Championships.
“With what Ben O’Connor did last year, it just shows – he also wasn’t a favorite to make the podium but anything can happen if you arrive with good form,” Scotson stated. “This late in the season, you really never know. And I just want to try to assist those guys with whatever they need to get there.”
