Matt Harding selected to represent ARA Australian Cycling Team but withdraws from 2024 UCI Observed Trials World Championships

National championship runner-up and world number 69 Matthew Harding has been selected to compete for the ARA Australian Cycling Team at the upcoming UCI Observed Trials World Championship. 

However, due to a desire to focus on improving by competing through the 2025 international season, Harding has elected not to compete at this year’s World Championship. 

"Whilst I’d love to go this year and am motivated by making the team, I think it will be best for me to keep building on my training and shift my focus to next year's international season,” Harding told AusCycling.  

“I’d like to do a couple of world cups during the European summer and perhaps the world champs in 2025. 

“So unfortunately, I am declining the opportunity to go this year." 

10-time national champion Nathan Mummery and 2015 world champion Janine Jungfels did not express an interest in competing in Abu Dhabi. 

Harding’s withdrawal means no Australians will be competing at the 2024 UCI World Championships. 

Held alongside BMX Freestyle Park and BMX Flatland as part of the 2024 Urban Cycling World Championships, the Observed Trials world championships will be held from December 17-21 in the United Arab Emirates. 

Trials categories include Teams, Men Junior (20 & 26 inch), Women Elite, and Men Elite (20 & 26 inch). 

More Information: 2024 UCI Urban Cycling World Championship competition hub.