Young, female and looking for a future in cycling?

Then log onto http://www.amygillett.org.au/launch-pad-to-the-cycling-green-and-gold/ to register your interest in the Amy Gillet Cyling Scholarship.

Now in its sixth consecutive year, the Scholarship is a joint initiative of the Amy Gillett Foundation and Cycling Australia AIS High Performance Program. The Scholarship has built an enviable reputation and legacy, with some past recipients entering into full Australian Institute of Sport scholarships or going on to ride professionally for teams in Europe and the US. Scholarship holders have also claimed impressive national and international results.

The 2011 Scholarship recipient will have the opportunity to continue the legacy of past recipients. They will have the opportunity to race overseas with the Cycling Australia women's development team formed to provide a springboard to the international stage for Australia's developing elite cyclists.

2010 Scholarship holder, Rachel Neylan competed in four World Cups and achieved five top-ten finishes in her first European season. This helped her secure a professional contract with the Italian Geox women's team for 2011.

Amy Gillett Foundation CEO Tracey Gaudry explains "One of the main aims of Scholarship is to provide a secure environment to help a talented national level cyclist make the transition from domestic to international level competition. The Scholarship will provide vital assistance with the costs and demands of travelling and competing internationally."
"The Scholarship holder also carries the role of AGF Ambassador. Rachel has also done an outstanding job of disseminating the safe cycling message of the AGF, and we hope she will continue to carry the mantle as she joins the ranks of the world's elite professional cyclists." Tracey added.

The dual emphasis of the Scholarship on work and learning also reflects the qualities successfully pursued by elite cyclist Amy Gillett before she was killed whilst on a training ride in Germany in 2005. The Scholarship honors the memory of Amy by supporting young female cyclists who share her sporting and life goals.

Cycling Australia CEO Graham Fredericks acknowledges the opportunity for Australia's talented female cyclists. "The Scholarship provides a unique opportunity for both elite cycling and career development. It also contributes to underpinning Australia's position at the pinnacle of international women's road cycling by providing another pathway to National Team and professional representation," he said.

In addition to supporting a talented female cyclist each year, the Amy Gillett Foundation aims to promote mutual awareness and understanding between cyclists and motorists on Australian roads. Past Scholarship recipients have actively helped promote the foundation's awareness and its mission through their participation in events such as Amy's Rides.

Amy Gillett Cycling Scholarship benefits include:

- Train and compete in Europe for a 4-6 week period with the Cycling Australia women's development team, with opportunity for additional/extended competitions
- Participation in Cycling Australia women's road program training camp in late 2011
- A road racing bicycle for the year-long duration of the Scholarship
- Cycling Australia and AGF sponsored equipment and products
- Oversight of training and race support from Cycling Australia High Performance Program coaches whilst overseas
- Status as a visiting AIS athlete during training camps at the AIS and whilst overseas
- $1,000 financial assistance
- AGF support to athlete's future development through liaison with athlete, Cycling Australia and athlete's own state/local support structure
- Access to the AGF Board and Ambassadors for mentoring and guidance re: career opportunities.
- Part-time or casual work opportunities with the AGF.

Email: info@amygillett.org.au for more information

The closing date for all applications is Friday 4 March, 2011.

The successful Scholarship recipient will be announced to the public on 15 March 2011