BMX Elite Development Squad announced

Cycling Australia has announced details of their BMX High Performance Program Elite Development Squad for 2009.

Fiveriders have been selected in the squad that will train and competeunder the guidance of Cycling Australia's BMX High Coach and former BMXprofessional, Wade Bootes.

"The riders show great potentialto continue to develop and to reach their best in the years to come,"said Bootes. "I am fortunate to be able to work with and guide talentedriders who have the motivation and drive to succeed. "I believe theseriders will lead the rest of the nation to a level that will helpAustralia dominate at the international level on the BMX track."

Bootes says 2009 will be a year for development as the five riders step up from the junior ranks.

"Withgreat results in 2008 as juniors and already mixing it with the bestsenior riders around the world in BMX and MTB events, I see themcontinuing on with their success for many years ahead."

Bootes says there has been a very positive impact on the sport from the inclusion of BMX in the Olympic Games.

"Forsure there is a lot more talk from the general public about BMX sincethe Olympic Games and the number of new riders in the sport has grown,"said Bootes. "Also the commitment to the top end of riders hasincreased with people regarding BMX as a major sport and top classriders wanting to make a living out of riding a BMX bike."

The plan for the 2009 BMX Elite Development Squad will include a semiresidential BMX program with a daily training program for the riders.

"TheCycling Australia BMX High Performance Program will utilise theQueensland Academy of Sport facilities and will have the support ofother State Institutes and Academies," said Bootes."It means we'll havethe best resources to support the individual development of the ridersto help them qualify for Australian teams for Supercross events andWorld Championships.

"The aim is to expose them to as muchinternational racing experience as possible so they can improve andexcel as we head towards the 2012 Olympic Games in London."

Thesquad will assemble on the Gold Coast tomorrow for their first trainingcamp which will include competing in the Nerang round of the 2008-09UCI BMX Oceania series being staged this Friday and Saturday (January 2and 3).

The riders and their key BMX results of 2008 are:Rachel Bracken (QLD), Caroline Buchanan (ACT), Josh Callan (VIC),Lauren Reynolds (WA) and Sam Willoughby (SA).