Rockhampton's young cyclists are not dwelling on drug cheat Lance Armstrong's spectacular fall from grace. They are just getting on with the job of racing fast.

That's according to accomplished cyclist and budding coach Conor McGrath, who recently prepared his charges for the annual CQUniversity Rockhampton Cup on Wheels at the Kenrick Tucker Velodrome.

Congratulations to Ballarat's William Key and former Rockhampton (now Adelaide-based) rider Taylah Jennings

 who took out the feature male and female events. Details via:  http://www.cycling.cqoz.com/

Taylah Jennings and William Key. Photo courtesy Rockhampton Cycling Club

Conor has plenty of good advice to pass on. Not only was he placed second in last year's open event, he's been picking up specialised knowledge as a final-year student enrolled in CQUniversity's Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Sciences.

His 2012 student research project focused on the relationship between muscle activation and pedal stroke timing (useful for planning muscle training techniques). This year, the student project enables further study into regional development in cycling.

"I originally got into coaching due to injury hampering my race sprinting and now my university studies are giving me the confidence to consider moving into cycling coaching as a career," Conor says.

LINK for a larger image of CQUniversity student Conor McGrath

Conor has himself competed at State level and one of his junior squad members, Bailey Goltz, has qualified to compete at the national track event as a member of the Queensland state team later this year.

"Rockhampton is a hotbed for preparation of State and national reps. The warm weather and hilly environment make it a great training ground," he says.

Conor comes from a lifesaving background and has worked as a pool lifeguard but he did not put his life on the line to guarantee a win at this year's Cup on Wheels.

"Due to my injury I was not expecting much success this year," he said.