Fifteen raw talents will be unleashed into the Kenrick Tucker Velodrome in Rockhampton this weekend for the Central Queensland University Rockhampton Cup on Wheels.

The 11-male, four-female squad is currently participating in a regional talent search program conducted by Central Queensland University in conjunction with Australian Sports Commission and the Queensland Academy of Sport.

The budding cyclists were identified from 1500 youths who took part in a series of mass screening sessions conducted by trained Human Movement Science students from CQU in May.

The selection process involved three phases of testing: phase 1 – mass screening in schools, involving a battery of seven simply administered field based testing including height, weight, arm span, basketball throw, vertical jump, 40m spring and multistage fitness test; phase 2 – cycling specific laboratory testing and bike handling skills; and phase 3 – development phase (12 weeks).

Fifteen youths were recruited to the 12-week cycling specific development program which was conducted by expert coach Ken Tucker.

CQU Health and Human Performance researcher Mary Cornelius has been monitoring the progress of the talent identification squad since their acceptance into this development program.

Ms Cornelius said the squad had proven that they possess the physiological characteristics of leg strength and high aerobic power that is required of high performance cyclists.

“They have worked and trained hard to be able to compete in their biggest cycling event thus far,” she said.

As it is the largest track cycling event to be held in regional Queensland, Vice-Chancellor Professor Glenice Hancock believes the Central Queensland University Rockhampton Cup on Wheels has provided the University with an exciting opportunity to continue its support of the region’s cycling talent.

“CQU is pleased to be so closely associated with the Rockhampton Cup on Wheels. CQU, with the Australian Sports Commission and the Queensland Academy of Sport has been researching cycling in Central Queensland to develop untapped Australian talent and ability. A lot of Queensland cyclists study and work at CQU, so this partnership with the Rockhampton Cycling Club is good for the community and CQU,” Professor Hancock said.

Photo Above: CQU's School of Health and Human Performance Industry Liaison Officer Alex Bright tests the track before the Central Queensland University Rockhampton Cup on Wheels. Photo left: Masters Candidate Mary Cornelius has monitored the progress of the talent identified cyclists.