CQU is becoming an important cog in the success of cycling at both local and national levels, thanks to sponsorship, research and talent identification over the past 4 years.

The most obvious winner at the CQU Rockhampton Cup On Wheels event last weekend (Nov 10) was Lindsay McMaster, who held aloft the trophy despite still recovering from a race fall during the recent Townsville Cup. Second-placed was former CQU student and now professional cyclist Cameron Jennings (see background below).

Lindsay McMaster wins the CQU Rockhampton Cup on Wheels

McMaster, along with another emerging champion Pip Hindmarsh, were products of CQU's first talent identification (TID) group from 4 years ago.

But CQU is also playing a role in the rise of the next crop of cyclists, thanks to a 2007 TID program linked to a Masters research project.

CQU staff member and Rockhampton Cycling Club Secretary Terry Edwards explained that the current TID group members have only been on their track bikes for the past 6 weeks after half of a road season.

"So their achievements have been quite remarkable," he said.

"Track bikes do not have brakes and are fixed wheel so the pedals do not stop turning, meaning a steep learning curve.

Mr Edwards explained the significance of photo (below) featuring current and past TID members and others with links to CQU.

Back Row (left to right):  Luke Sherwood, Zac Dellow, Trent Huff, Luke Hindmarsh, Tim Hindmarsh, Lindsay McMaster, Professor Angela Delves, Mathew Ruckett, Cameron Jennings, Professor Jennelle Kyd, Nathan Cowie (Club President), Phillipa Hindmarsh, Associate Professor Peter Reaburn, Gavin Hopes (TID Coach).

Front Row (left to right): Tylah Jennings, Jackson Toole, Sam McNeven, Rebecca Stevenson, Nance Pepper, Brock Sollis.

Rebecca Stevenson was placed second in the Capricornia Cup On Wheels.

Brock Sollis won the Under 17 Wheel Race in Townsville last weekend.

Phillipa Hindmarsh is now a second-year under 19 rider and is currently the Female Under 19 Australian Sprint Champion. She attended  the World Junior Under 19 Championships in July.  She is the current Junior Sports Woman of the Year. She holds numerous Junior Australian titles.

Cameron Jennings is a graduate of CQU's School of Health and Human Performance. He came second to Lindsay on Saturday.  Cameron races professionally for the DFL Cyclingnews Team based in Belgium.  He maintains close links with the School of Health and Human Performance even while racing overseas and particularly at the end of the European season, contributing to the School's research. Cameron won his first stage of a professional tour at this year's 2007 Herald Sun Tour a couple of weeks ago.  He holds numerous Junior State and National medals for both track and road.

Lindsay McMaster celebrates