When the Australian team was named for the Bergen World Championships with a reduced women's squad of five riders, Rachel Neylan was a conspicuously absent name. A silver medallist on her Worlds debut in 2012, the Orica-Scott rider had never hidden her love of riding in the green and gold.
While Neylan "didn't have a standout season" season by her own omission, the 35-year-old explained to Cyclingnews she believes she "would be an extremely strong asset to the team" and appealed her non-selection.
"I wanted to do it with dignity and respect and that is why I didn't disclose any details and plus, I was racing in France so I was kind of busy, so I made the choice not to make it public as I was going through the process," Neylan told Cyclingnews following confirmation of her successful appeal. Neylan and Chloe Hosking will now join Katrin Garfoot, Amanda Spratt, Shara Gillow, Sarah Roy and Gracie Elvin for the September 23 road race.
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"Because it was just something I wanted to do and for me, if people found out or didn't, it didn't matter. What mattered to me was the action I took for those five girls involved in the team and to give them the greatest opportunity for the most optimum performance on that day.
"I strongly believe, that if they were able to take two more riders that I would be an extremely strong asset to the team. Taking into consideration 2000 meters of climbing, and the fact that it is a 150km race. Both of those things, the altitude meters and the endurance requirements of the race, are extremely well suited to my capabilities. Coupled with my current form."
When the Australian Worlds team was announced with a full quota for the men but reduced squads for the women's and U23 teams, questions were asked of Cycling Australia with Chloe Hosking tweeting she would be appealing the decision. In the day's that followed, there was no lack of discussion regarding the squad selection. For Neylan, the reaction was somewhat surprising who expressed that while she was appealing her non-selection, she backs in the national federation.
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
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