KEY POINTS:
BikeNZ is on the lookout for the next Sarah Ulmer and Allison Shanks.
The call is going out to New Zealand female athletes, including those from non-cycling backgrounds, to become part of a talent pool of riders through to the 2012 Olympics in London and beyond.
BikeNZ's "Power to the Podium" programme is aimed at identifying and selecting female athletes for a development programme.
The aim is to at least equal the men's track cycling team's achievement of securing two medals at the Beijing Olympics.
High-performance director Mark Elliott said BikeNZ wanted female athletes from all sports, including cyclists, who were over the age of 17 to apply.
BikeNZ is particularly keen to hear from athletes with an endurance background, such as rowing, running and triathlon, who might have what it takes to win on a bike.
Elliott said anything was possible for athletes with the right attributes.
Ulmer, now retired, won the gold medal in the 3000m individual pursuit at the 2004 Olympic Games, while Shanks' rise has been remarkable.
She was playing netball four years ago and with just three years' cycling experience she was a contender for an Olympic medal, finishing fourth in Beijing in the 3000m individual pursuit.
Said Elliott: "This programme provides the opportunity for athletes with the right physiology, desire and talent to become world-class track riders."
BikeNZ and the Government funding agency Sparc are investing in the programme, which will involve a coach, support services for the athletes such as sports science and medicine, training and performance tools, and travel and accommodation for competitions.
Sparc high-performance manager Martin Toomey says: "Talent identification is crucial to ensuring New Zealand has a pool of world class athletes."
- NZPA
