Australia first country to reveal World Championship lineup: "Challenging course requires climbing talent"

Australia has become the first country to announce its selections for the Cycling World Championships in Zurich, Switzerland. The Aussies are counting on their climbing talent for the hilly course. Olympic time trial champion Grace Brown will also compete in her final world championships.

Jesse Korf, chairman of the panel that decides the selections, is looking forward to the world championships. "We are very excited about this group of elite athletes. The courses in Zurich are challenging with a considerable amount of climbing. The riders we’ve selected have the characteristics to perform well on this kind of course."

For the men, this means climbers Jack Haig, Chris Harper, Jai Hindley, Ben O'Connor, Nick Schultz, Callum Scotson and Michael Storer have been selected, along with all-rounder Michael Matthews. Luke Plapp, who had a hard fall during the chrono in Paris, will only ride the time trial in Switzerland. "Our team is filled with climbing talent including multiple grand tour podiums, plus the experience of a rider like Michael Matthews, who has proven time and time again his ability to deliver results at this level."

For the women, reigning Olympic time trial champion Grace Brown is the standout name. "Australian road cycling has had a lot to celebrate this year. We look forward to seeing Grace Brown contest her first, and likely last, world championships since winning the Olympic gold medal. At the other end of the scale, it’s fantastic to have young debutants on board such as Isabelle Carnes and Neve Bradbury, whom we hope will make a big impact at their first elite world championships," said Korf.

Australia selection Cycling World Championships Zurich 2024

Men
Jack Haig
Chris Harper
Jai Hindley
Michael Matthews
Ben O'Connor
Nick Schultz
Callum Scotson
Michael Storer
Luke Plapp (will ride alone, only the time trial)

Women
Neve Bradbury
Grace Brown (also the time trial)
Brodie Chapman (also the time trial)
Sarah Gigante
Ruby Roseman-Gannon
Amanda Spratt
Isabelle Carnes (time trial only)