Cyclist to represent IBCT team in cross-europe race
DUBBO City Toyota has thrown its support behind one of our most impressive athlete exports putting the city on the map in international leagues.
The business has supported local cyclist Haylee Fuller as part of its existing community support program.
Fuller, 17, previously competed in the Under 23 National Championships last month, placing fifth in the Ballarat individual time trial on January 12.
Up against some of the world’s best, Fuller finished 36th in the Buninyong, Victoria, road race on January 16 for the IBCT Women’s Elite team.
Now, Fuller has jetted off to Belgium to compete in the IBCT women’s continental team across Europe.
Following in her racing dad’s footsteps, Fuller started her cycling career at just seven years of age.
“I’m very excited to make the next step up in my career and hopefully gain lots of experience to keep moving my way up to world tour,” she said.
"I love the challenge of every race, as no two are the same, especially road races where the courses range vastly from mountains to plains and everything in between.
“The European season has just started and will finish in October. I plan to be here the whole season and throughout that period I will do many different competitions across Europe from UCI events to Belgium local races – so I will get a good mix of experience in different races.”
Fuller has already impressed here at home, taking out wins in memorable athletic feats including winning the U19 Road Race and Criterium at the 2020 National Road Championships in Ballarat.
At the 2020 National Track Titles, Fuller took out a close second, winning the Points Race after taking a lap on the field.
“My best achievement so far is winning the U/19 road race and criterium at the national road championships in Ballarat 2020,” she said.
“I also won the Points Race at the National track titles 2020 after I took a lap on the field.”
Fuller recently completed a twoweek training camp in Spain where she was able to settle into the new team environment and meet the other girls and staff.
“I’m very excited for the new opportunities that being in this team will offer,” she said.
“Obviously coming from Australia that in itself is a lot to adjust to, so meeting new people and seeing new places while doing what I love (cycling) is something I’m really excited about.
“Hopefully I can use this team as a stepping stone to the next level.”
While this is her first time on the IBCT team, Fuller has previously raced for Australian National Road series team, the University of Sydney Staminade.
Fuller’s first race is on March 1.