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From Fast Track to Para-cycling Track Worlds podium: Meet Erin Rowell
Oct 21, 2022
An Australian Cycling Team debutant bagged Australia’s first medal at the 2022 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships overnight in France after only stepping foot in a velodrome for the first time back in February.
Her name is Erin Rowell and her path to bronze at Vélodrome National de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines is a new frontier for AusCycling.
The Victorian is the first athlete from AusCycling’s Fast Track program to be selected to a national team after earning selection in the Australian para-cycling track worlds team in September.
That itself was a feat to be proud of for Rowell, but she has wasted no time in vindicating the trust in her talent.
“It’s been a rewarding experience so far,” Rowell said of the AusCycling Paralympic Fast Track Program prior to departing for Europe.
“Track cycling is a sport I never thought I’d have a chance to do.
“So, I’ve really enjoyed testing myself and learning a new sport, as well as meeting new people.”
Erin Rowell won bronze on Day 1 of the 2022 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships. Picture: Michael Shippley
Rowell was identified at the Federation University Road National Championships earlier this year, where she placed second in both the WC5 time trial and road race.
In the six months that followed her identification, the 39-year-old threw everything at the Fast Track opportunity to maximise results.
Rowell’s coach and AusCycling Paralympic Fast Track Manager Nick Owen has been amazed by her progress.
“The Fast Track program has provided Erin an opportunity to train like an elite athlete,” Owen said.
“It’s access to elite coaches, equipment and resources and now Erin is pushing times of 37 seconds in the 500-metre time trial.”
Before finding her love for cycling, Rowell was a professional motorcycle racer in the United States and was the first woman to qualify for a Men’s AMA Supermoto Championship event.
Rowell continues her Australian Cycling Team debut at the 2022 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships tonight with the 3000m individual pursuit.