By JARROD POTTER
THE time has almost come for Courtney Field to get set in the starter’s blocks and challenge the world.
Field, 17, from Berwick, will don the Australian jersey in South Korea as she pursues the ultimate dream for a cyclist – the elusive rainbow jersey of a world champion.
She’s earned her place among the world’s best junior cyclists when she competes at the UCI World Junior Cycling Championships in Seoul next month.
Field’s pedigree was confirmed in December when she secured her ticket to the world championships after she became a triple-national champion in the Cycling Australia Track National Championships – winning the junior-19 women’s sprint, time trial and Keirin to also earn her the under-19 Champion of Champions for the event.
One of the most powerful junior female cyclists on earth, Field has upped her training and is now peaking at 1250 watts of energy at maximum sprint and averaging in the high 1100s for her events. To put that in context, Australian Olympic champion Anna Meares can drive between 1400-1500 watts at peak sprint, so Field is well on her way to making the next step up in competition to the senior cycling ranks.
She’s increased her power output in the last six months – training heavily in the gym to put on muscle and improve her strength.
Outside of a bout of sickness and an injured wrist, her training has been on schedule.
“Everything is going to plan except I hurt my wrist a few months back and I got sick which stopped me from riding a major Grand Prix – which was in Adelaide – but I think everything is coming together really well and I’m showing some good form,” Field said.
“Definitely by being in the gym my strength has really improved overall, my speed side and everything from a good training environment and strength program.”
She’ll need to compete on an unfamiliar track length as the Korean circuit is 333 metres long as opposed to the traditional 250m.
“Until we ride on Korea I’m not sure what gear I’ll use – probably bigger than at nationals, but I’m not sure as it’s an asphalt track.
“It’s indoors and it’s a long track – a standard track is 250m and this is 333m
“Can change up the tactics a lot – my races will either be longer or set at different points on the velodrome.
“Team sprint is normally 500 and will now be 666 metres, 500 will feel a bit different – same distance – but it’s a lap and a half instead of two and flying two hundred has a different entry line because the track is different so it will be a big adjustment.”
Her programme starts immediately after the opening ceremony on Friday 8 August when she competes in the team sprint.
The 2014 UCI Junior Track World Championships will run from 8-12 August in Seoul, South Korea.
