Pro contract for Lucas
Sharlotte Lucas believes she has a ‘‘point to prove’’ to Cycling New Zealand.
The Hokitika rider has signed a professional contract with Women’s World Tour team Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank, two months after she was overlooked by the national body for world championships selection.
Lucas believed she was good enough to compete against the world’s best riders, and publicly criticised Cycling NZ for its ‘‘appalling’’ treatment following her omission.
The 26-year-old then successfully challenged her non-selection but withdrew when she discovered she would have to fork out thousands of dollars to compete in
Austria. All riders below World Tour level were asked to contribute towards the costs.
The Oceania champion and Commonwealth Games representative is now determined to pedal on and represent New Zealand on an even bigger stage after signing her first professional contract.
The team is based out of San Francisco and competes regularly in the United States and Europe.
‘‘I have a point to prove,’’ declared Lucas, who has juggled part-time work and training for the past two years. It would be awesome to win a World Tour race one day. My main goal is Olympic selection in 2020 Tokyo and to race to my ability in it.’’