Annette Edmondson: Cycling making a mark on women as talent pool rises

Increased funding, events and competition means the future is bright for Australian women’s track cycling, writes SA Olympic medallist and cycling world champion Annette Edmondson in her exclusive column.

Cyclists compete in the women's Madison final during the Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Cup IV at the Penalolen Cycling Centre in Santiago last week. Picture: AFP PHOTO / CLAUDIO REYES

There’s no doubt that Australian women’s sport is on the rise, but is women’s cycling keeping up?

The past couple of years we’ve seen our sportswomen step up across the board on the international scene, from the Ellyse Perrys of cricket to the Sam Kerrs of soccer, but what’s behind this sudden surge of Australian female sporting success?

Funding is a major part of any athletes’ success. Not only is it the ability to be able to train without financial stress, but the idea that a living can be made from sport allows an athlete to really commit. The lure of paid employment attracts a much greater pool of athletes, increasing the level of competition.

Annette Edmondson in the Women's Omnium flying lap event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Picture: AFP Photo / Greg Baker

The Women’s Big Bash League and Women’s AFL are fantastic examples of programs that have increased funding which has boosted participation and ultimately increased the level of competition. Australian sponsors have backed national teams and our international teams are reaping the rewards.

But what about cycling? Where does women’s cycling fit into all this?

While there are no new development pathways or well-paid state teams for women’s cycling in Australia, there have been significant changes on an international scale that has helped boost interest, numbers and, ultimately, the talent pool across Australia.

Cycling has traditionally been a male-dominated sport, but times are changing. This year, the madison was included in the women’s program at the Track World Championships for the first time, 22 years after the first men’s. The team pursuit will also be included in the Commonwealth Games for women for the first time at the Gold Coast next year.

This momentum has trickled down into our national and state programs, with some taking the opportunity with both hands.

Last week Australia hosted the world’s first Women’s 6-day Madison, thanks to race director, Craig Neiwand. It was a fantastic event, with 14-teams (more than the men) lining up in Victoria’s Darebin International Sports Centre. Thirty events were raced over six days, emulating the famous, 6-day madison races our European friends host so well.

I last raced a madison at the Australian National Madison Championships a year ago and was blown away by the increased level of racing at the Melbourne 6-Day. Within 12 months we had 50 per cent more women filling the field.

New Zealand pair cyclists Racquel Sheath and Michaela Drummond on their way to winning the women’s Madison final during the Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Cup IV at the Penalolen Cycling Centre in Santiago last week. Picture: AFP Photo / Claudio Reyes

Not only were these women racing hard, but they were also racing well tactically.

This is fantastic news for Australian Women’s Track Cycling. With six women currently in the nation’s core high-performance track cycling unit, we need depth, and that’s exactly what’s on offer.

While individual funding is scarce in Australian cycling, national races like the Melbourne 6-Day are creating opportunities. Younger athletes gain more experience and the chance to develop. Racing quality is improved and elite athletes are kept on their toes.

The talent pool increases and Australian cycling, like other sports, will get better and better.

Originally published as Annette Edmondson: Cycling making a mark on women as talent pool rises