From July-October 2024 I will be travelling to Italy to race with a development team, "The Down Under Cycling Academy". The team is based just outside of Verona and ran by Valentina Scandolara (an Italian pro cyclist). Valentina has raced on teams such as ORICA GreenEDGE, now known as Liv- Jayco Alula. The DUCA academy is a non-profit organisation giving AUS/NZ junior women the opportunity to ride and race in Europe. The program is aimed for athletes to take the next step and provides a pathway into racing professionally in Europe. The DUCA academy gives participants a chance to race in countries such as France, Italy and Switzerland, to improve their race craft, make connections and - hopefully- get noticed by a professional team. The program will also have other benefits outside of bike racing such as promoting language, cooking classes, connection with the communities and cultural trips.

My goals for this trip are to improve my bike handling and race skills. In Australia, we don't have the opportunity to race regularly like in Europe. Most races are much smaller as compared to overseas. This trip will provide me with the opportunity to be exposed to higher quality and more frequent racing.

Unfortunately, due to lack of sponsors, we are asked to contribute a fee of 2100 euro to be able to participate in the DU Academy. This fee will cover accommodation, transport, race fees, performance lab tests, a qualified coach who will follow the group trainings and access to gym equipment. The daily cost of nutrition and overseas flight is not included in this fee.

I would be extremely grateful for any contributions towards my cycling endeavours and to give myself the opportunity to race overseas.

DU Academy Instagram: @theducacademy

Sophie Byrne : @sophibyrne