CycleScape head mechanic Sam Edwards said cyclists had been coming into the Ballarat shop, where Malseed works, every day for the past couple of weeks to check on her progress leading into race day.

The 23-year-old will ride out as Australian champion – a title she won in Buninyong – in Commonwealth Games action on Saturday morning.

“It’s pretty awesome to see how far she has progressed. Shannon’s been going from strength-to-strength now she’s a fully fledged professional,” Edwards said.

“Shannon’s really well known across the cycling community in town. I’m sure everyone will be watching bright and early. We’re stoked to see her going so well.”

Malseed, who hails from Portland, moved to Ballarat three years ago and calls herself a local.

But her preparations for the Gold Coast have been in Europe where she has been based with her professional cycling team.

Edwards said Malseed had been sending through updates from the Gold Coast the past week now, mostly letting colleagues know she has been soaking up plenty of sun. He said Malseed had been so excited about returning home to Australia to ride in the Commonwealth Games.

If Malseed has any pre-race nerves, Edwards said you would never know – she hides nerves pretty well.

Malseed told The Courier in January she had no doubt there would be added pressure, internally and externally, as national champion. She said it was a challenge she was more happy to take on.

It was the Buninyong win that gave Malseed automatic selection to the Commonwealth Games.

Two Cyclescape colleagues are up on the Gold Coast, ready to cheer her on. Edwards said he was happy to hold the fort in the meantime – except Malseed was the one who always kept the shop organised.

The women’s road race on the Currumbin beachfront starts Saturday, 7.45am.

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