Worlds: Australian team ready to rock Glasgow

The ARA Australian Cycling team are set to shake up the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championship which are underway in Scotland, Glasgow.

The 120-strong team includes multiple World, Olympic and Commonwealth games champions across eight disciplines; Freestyle BMX, BMX racing, cross-country, cross-country marathon, downhill, observed trials, road cycling, track cycling and para-cycling (road and track).

More than 200 rainbow jerseys – awarded to the World Champion in each event - will be up for grabs between August 3 and 13.

Chef de Mission Paul Brosnan said the team was well-placed to lay down their best performances at what is the biggest cycling and riding event in years.

“There are so many Australians competing, this team is quite large, so I think it’s going to be exciting to see some new names, some younger talent coming up.

“Across the board, with lots of teams competing at the same time, there will be lots to look forward to.”

The ARA Australian Cycling Team track sprinters are up and about for a big week at Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. The men enter as the hunted after last year’s Team Sprint World Championship success in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France.

“Our prep has not been too dissimilar to last year. Similar vibes now we are here in Glasgow but just with that pressure this time around as we look to defend the rainbows,” team member Matthew Richardson said.

Another strong rainbow jersey chance will be at the BMX Freestyle, with current world number one Logan Martin carrying solid form into the event.

Martin has already claimed two gold medals and a bronze at the three UCI World Cup events in 2023 and will be out to reclaim the rainbow jersey he previously held in 2017 and 2021.

Australia will also field competitive teams for the elite road races in Glasgow.

Last years' time trial silver medalist Grace Brown headlines a star-studded women’s roster while Micheal Matthews is seeking a fourth career world championships medal after winning bronze in Wollongong.

Off-road events include cross-country Olympic at Glentress and downhill at the famous Fort William in Ben Nevis.

Troy Brosnan won a World Cup here in 2014 as well as picking up a bronze and silver in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

“I have always done well at the track and coming off fourth place at the last World Cup I feel as ready as ever. I’m ready to fight for the rainbows,” the five-time World Championship medalist said.

On the BMX track, Saya Sakakibara is excited about racing back at the world championships after missing the past two.

The Olympian brings podium potential form into her event.

“I have a great team around me. I'm healthy. I'm the healthiest that I've ever been, the fastest and the strongest I've ever been. So, I think I'm in a really good spot”.

For more coverage of the ARA Australian Cycling Team at the UCI Cycling World Championships, visit our Glasgow 2023 Hub.