Isla Shaw (left) finished the Australian Junior Track Series in second place. Photo: AusCycling
Shepparton’s rising star on two wheels has confirmed her billing as one of Australia’s most talented junior track cyclists.
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After three rounds of the Australian Junior Track Series, Shepparton Cycling Club talent Isla Shaw has secured a podium finish, defying a field of the country’s best under-17 female cyclists to finish second overall.
The 15-year-old accumulated the points needed to secure her silver medal position at the prestigious Adelaide Super-Drome on January 17 and 18, earning sixth place in Saturday’s scratch and elimination races to consolidate her spot.
After placing third in Sunday’s Keirin heat, Shaw had secured her position among Australia's elite junior cyclists, especially after another strong finish (fourth) in the second scratch race.
Shaw said she was confident launching into a “fast and smooth” Adelaide track after her performances in Sydney and Perth.
“I love the Adelaide track so much, it’s one of my favourites,” Shaw said.
“I felt so good while racing, I had the confidence in me because I was going into (round three) second overall.
“I had a good feeling I could get a podium at the end.
“I enjoyed the racing, it was good seeing friends and I just felt confident going into it.”
Shaw’s rise through the ranks has come on the back of some hard work.
Most of her week is spent training under the guidance of former Olympians Steve Fairless and Brett Lancaster, guiding a young Shepparton cyclist who could very well find herself following in their footsteps come Brisbane 2032.
Shepparton Cycling Club talent Isla Shaw is making waves.
Photo by
Bree Harding
Drive and determination have typified her approach - and Shaw said she was excited to see it pay dividends as she looks ahead to her next challenge.
“It feels so good just knowing I’m second in the country, knowing that I’ve worked hard for it and now seeing results,” she said.
“I want to say thank you to Brett Lancaster and Steve Fairless for helping me get to where I am now, and Myocycle for being a fantastic supporter - I couldn’t have done it without you.
“Now (the AJTS) is finished, there’s States in February, and then hopefully if all goes well there I’ll get selected to go to Nationals for Team Victoria in Brisbane at the end of March.”
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