Choice of cycling pays off for former triathlete

As a youngster competing in triathlons, Courtland Wood discovered he liked cycling more than the other two sports that comprise the multi-stage event.

It was then he made the decision to focus solely on his favourite.

It proved a good move, with the Busselton speedster since having risen through cycling’s ranks to compete on a national junior level.

The 15-year-old is part of the South West Academy of Sport’s latest intake of promising young athletes and will now benefit by being part of the organisation’s individual athlete support program.

The support from SWAS will come in handy as the teen prepares for his first year racing on the national stage as an under-17.

Come September, the rocket will take on the challenge of competing in the Cycling Australia Junior Road National Championships in Tasmania.

Over three days, Courtney will put himself to the test against a quality field of riders in time trial, road race and criterium events in the north west region of the apple isle.

“I’ll be aiming to learn how I compare to others in Australia,” Courtland said.

In the lead-up to making his debut in the next age bracket at nationals, the St Mary MacKillop College student will intensify his already comprehensive training schedule.

As a SWAS scholarship holder, he’ll also have access to a long-list of support services that aim to help young athletes lay the foundations for a long and rewarding career in sport.

“Being part of SWAS is going to teach me the more mental side of the sport, not just the physical,” he said.