There is a bright future for sports talent identification programs, if Alex Bright's experience is anything to go by.

The CQU Rockhampton staff member recently returned from the Australian Cycling Track Titles with a gold medal, after only starting racing a little over 12 months ago.

Alex became interested in track racing as the result of an Australian Institute of Sport talent identification program run in NSW, the ACT and later in Brisbane. The program was aimed at encouraging more women into the sport of track cycling.

As an industry liaison officer with CQU's School of Health and Human Performance (H&HP), she is now taking an interest in the progress of a Rockhampton-based cycling talent ID project established by Head of School Dr Peter Reaburn, along with partners Cycling Australia, Cycling Queensland, the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Rockhampton Cycling Club. Testing of high school and university students will start soon.

At the nationals, Alex joined Rockhampton Cycling Club team mates Anna and Kerrie Meares to win gold for Queensland in the team's sprint event. This event will be among those featured during SBS TV's coverage of the titles, from 10.30am this Sunday (May 11).

Alex's role at CQU is to coordinate industry accredited courses for university students. She also handles marketing, careers markets, HHP alumni and community liaison and visitor projects.

Alex was originally unsuccessful with her bid to join the AIS talent ID program, but was invited to travel to the 2002 National Cycling Championships to compete against the 28 women who were selected. Ironically, she beat all of the selected competitors in a 500m time trial, and in 12 months became a fully-fledged member of the Queensland team for the 2003 National Championships.