The search is on for 15 new talents from the Rockhampton region to lead the State, and possibly the country, in the world of cycling.

Central Queensland University, in conjunction with the Queensland Academy of Sport, Cycling Queensland and Australian Sports Commission, are conducting a talent identification project in the Rockhampton region.

Head of CQU’s School of Health and Human Performance Dr Peter Reaburn said this was the first cycling talent identification project to be held in a regional area. He explained Rockhampton was an obvious choice for the talent search.

“The success of Rockhampton cycling has been outstanding over the years. We are lucky enough to have an Olympic level coach, Ken Tucker, who has coached Olympic medal winners and national title holders; the Rockhampton Cycling Club administration is strong; and CQU has the facilities to test cycling skills.

About 1500 high schools students will undergo speed, power and endurance testing from next week as CQU staff visit all high schools in Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Mt Morgan. Other members of the region aged 13 to 26 years will have the opportunity to attend a two-day open testing session at CQU’s laboratory on May 24 and 25.

From these initial sessions up to 200 youth will be chosen to attend the next phase of the testing to be held June 7 and 8. A group of 15 will finally be given the chance in mid July to become a part of the talent squad and have the opportunity to make it into the Queensland and Australian team.

The talent squad will be coached by premier coaches including Ken Tucker and will have the opportunity to train at the Queensland Academy of Sport.