Final Elite Performance Academy squad for 2015 announced
Motorcycling Australia (MA) is pleased to announce the eight riders who have made it to the second phase of the Elite Performance Academy (EPA) for 2015.
The final squad was selected based on performances from the initial EPA camp on the Gold Coast in June, in which the athletes were exposed to elite level practice in the areas of sports science, sports psychology and athletic preparation during the initial camp.
Road Racing is the most heavily represented discipline in the final squad (four members), with Enduro having two riders included and Motocross and Speedway one each.
The final EPA squad for 2015 is:
NAME STATE DISCIPLINE
- Mitchell Evans Queensland Motocross
- Fraser Higlett Queensland Enduro
- Ben Kearns New South Wales Enduro
- Jaimon Lidsey Victoria Speedway
- Broc Pearson Queensland Road Race
- Tom Edwards New South Wales Road Race
- Troy Guenther Queensland Road Race
- Lachlan Taylor Queensland Road Race
EPA Exercise Physiologist Tim Cole commended the eight riders picked for the final squad, adding that their selection came at the end of an extensive and difficult selection process.
“Each of the riders selected in the final squad stood out amongst, what has to be said, a magnificent crop of athletes at the first camp,” Cole said.
“The eight riders selected all demonstrated an ability to excel in their training when confronted with an elite training environment, and combined with the results from the physiological and psychological testing conducted at the camp, were identified as having the potential to become world champions in the future.”
The squad of eight will regather on the Gold Coast for a follow up camp in September, with Cole adamant that the hard work was only just beginning.
“As we stated when this program was announced, selection in the final squad would only be the start of a three-year pathway towards competing on the international stage,” Cole said.
“The camp in September will focus more heavily on on-bike training and skill development, utilising an approach never before seen in motorcycling within Australia.
“These advanced skill acquisition techniques will be combined with further exposure to advanced training methods to enhance performance of EPA squad members, and demonstrate the type of commitment required to succeed as an elite athlete.”
