ANGUS Lyons has a massive few weeks ahead of him.
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The emerging Ballarat cyclist faces two of the biggest challenges in his career to date as he rides to put his name at the forefront of national selectors’ minds.
Chasing selection in the Australian under-23 road team, he knows the importance of making statements in the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race on Sunday and Herald Sun Tour on February 3-7.
Lyons, 20, has secured a ride with the Jayco Australian National Team for Sunday and KordaMentha Real Estate–Australian National Team for what will be his second start in the Herald Sun Tour.
Fresh from his second top 10 finish in the under-23 individual time trial in the national road championships in Buninyong, Lyons says he will gain invaluable experience in the two world class events.
“It’s another step. All important experience,” Lyons said.
The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race will feature WorldTour teams, including BMC, Orica-GreenEdge and Team Sky, and the likes champion English sprinter Mark Cavendish.
The Herald Sun Tour will also have a strong international influence, including past Tour of France winner Chris Froome.
Lyons says he feels strong after a freshen up on the back of the nationals.
He said he had taken it easy for a few days after the road race before getting back into the longer miles on the bike.
Lyons, who mixes cycling with full-time mechatronics engineering studies at Swinburne in Melbourne, a priority this year was to have much more continuity on the bike.
“I had an interrupted time of it last year.” Lyons said injury and a spasmodic National Road Series program had made it hard.
He said all the signs were better, with the nationals and the two events over the next few weeks providing a great start to the year.
Lyons said riding the Herald Sun Tour had been a lot of fun last year. “It was great riding with the internationals.”
He said selection in the national team would mean time riding in Belgium and Italy, with the ultimate objective being the world championships.
Cycling Australia under-23 men’s national road coach James Victor, looking to the Herald Sun Tour, said it was important to bring together a mix of young, developing talent with some focus on stronger climbing abilities to take up the challenge of a solid week of international racing.
“With some of our young talent not yet signed to continental or professional teams the tour provides a perfect opportunity for the next generation to mix it with some of our seasoned and international professionals.”