CHLOE McIntosh is taking up the challenge of an Australian Institute of Sport cycling selection camp in Canberra.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
McIntosh, of Ballarat, is one of 20 hand-picked riders in the 11-day national women’s endurance program camp hoping to secure a place in a team to compete in Europe next season.
AIS/Cycling Australia senior women’s road coach Martin Barras said there was no pre-set number for selectors.
“We don’t put a number on the eliminations nor the selections.
“We take whoever is capable.
“It could be two or seven,” Barras said.
Tour of the Goldfields winner Chloe McConville is also attending the camp, which is modelled on military special forces selection methods and activities.
First held in 2011 and renowned as one of the toughest selection camps in Australian sport, several of Australia’s leading international and domestic cyclists have progressed through the camp, including reigning national champion Gracie Elvin, Grace Sulzberger and Rachel Neylan.
“The theme of the camp is based on selection activities run by the SAS, the Australian Commandos, the US Rangers, Marines and Navy Seals,” Barras said.
“However, we have picked out the methodology, rather than the emphasis on the brutalising, as we want to focus on performance in relevant challenging environment.
“You want to challenge them, but you want to challenge them in a way that is relevant.
“You don’t take them out on pack marches for hours, but you remove hope like what can happen in the middle of a tour, with the amount of climbing or dealing with foreign culture.”
The camp is separated into three three-day phases.