Cycling: Focus on future for Cycling NZ

Highly-regarded Dylan Kennett, 21, has won a recall after missing recent World Cup events. Photo / NZME.

New Zealand cycling bosses not only have the Rio Olympics in mind but also the years ahead after naming a world championship squad with an accent on youth.

Cycling New Zealand has named a squad of 18 for the Paris event from February 18-22, which includes newcomers 19-year-old Regan Gough, a junior world champion, and Alex Frame, 21.

Highly-regarded Dylan Kennett, 21, has won a recall after missing recent World Cup events after an eye-catching performance at the national championships.

CNZ high performance director Mark Elliott said the clear focus is looking ahead to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

"We have been tracking the progress of our developing riders in light of where we believe they can be in 18 months time," Elliott said.

"That does not mean we have shut the door on other riders, but given the current form of some young riders, these world championships present the ideal opportunity to transition them with a clear focus on Rio."

Frame, Gough and Kennett are part of the endurance squad to join 21-year-old Pieter Bulling, who has developed into a key contributor in the engine room, and double Olympic medallist Marc Ryan who will provide leadership and experience.

Aaron Gate will compete in the omnium although still not back to his best form. Elliott said that as there are only four further opportunities for Gate to contest an international-quality omnium under its revamped format before Rio, his selection for Paris is important.

The women's endurance squad remains unchanged after encouraging performances at the opening two world cups, currently ranked third in the Olympic nations rankings.

Steph McKenzie, with four titles at the national champs, gets the nod as the key sprinter with Katie Schofield included as the best starter in the team sprint.

The jewel in the crown is the men's sprint with all five current high performance squad riders included.

New Zealand track cycling squad
*Men's endurance: Pieter Bulling (Invercargill), Alex Frame (Christchurch), Aaron Gate (Auckland), Regan Gough (Waipukurau), Dylan Kennett (Waimate), Marc Ryan (Timaru).
*Women's endurance: Rushlee Buchanan (Te Awamutu), Lauren Ellis (Hinds), Jaime Nielsen (Cambridge), Racquel Sheath (Cambridge), Georgia Williams (Timaru).
*Men's sprint: Matt Archibald (Invercargill), Eddie Dawkins (Invercargill), Ethan Mitchell (Auckland), Simon van Velthooven (Feilding), Sam Webster (Auckland).
*Women's sprint: Stephanie McKenzie (Invercargill), Katie Schofield (Otago)