Your pathway to the WorldTour starts here!
Expressions of interest are now open for talented young Australian cyclists seeking selection to the ARA | Skip Capital U19 men’s and women’s teams for 2027.
Operated by the Australian Cycling Academy, the program is designed for Australia’s best junior riders who are ready to take the next step in their development. Selected athletes will join a highly structured performance and team focused program, race Australia’s leading domestic events and complete an extended, fully supported European racing campaign.
Program objectives
The ARA | Skip Capital U19 program aims to:
- Identify Australia’s best young cyclists and provide a genuine pathway to leading European U23, development and WorldTour teams.
- Support and develop each athlete to maximise their sporting potential.
- Provide meaningful racing exposure and opportunities to achieve the results required for selection into professional development pathways.
- Ensure young riders continue to prioritise formal education or vocational training while pursuing sporting excellence.
Indicative 2027 program
From the expressions of interest received, the Australian Cycling Academy will invite a maximum of eight male and eight female riders to join the program.
The indicative race and development program will include:
- Semi-supported participation at the Australian National Championships.
- The full ProVelo Super League program.
- A fully staffed and supported European racing block of approximately 75 to 90 days.*
- Semi-supported participation at the Tour of Bright.
- Potential opportunities for riders who hold an EU passport or obtain an appropriate long-stay visa to remain in Europe for an additional period and race through a shared arrangement with another team.
Selected riders will also receive a comprehensive equipment package, including:
- Road bike (owned by ACA)
- Team clothing.
- Helmets.
- Accessories.
- Access to time trial bikes at cost price.
Selection criteria
Applicants must meet the following eligibility and selection requirements:
U19 eligibility
The program is open exclusively to riders competing in the U19 junior category during the 2027 season.
Education and training
All riders must remain enrolled in formal education or vocational training throughout the contract period.
Eligible education and training pathways may include:
- Secondary school qualifications, including the SACE, VCE, HSC, QCE or International Baccalaureate.
- TAFE or vocational education and training, including traineeships and apprenticeships.
- Tertiary study, including an undergraduate degree.
- Consideration may be given to final-year U19 riders who have completed secondary school and wish to undertake a structured gap year.
Commitment and character
Applicants must demonstrate the attitude, maturity, work ethic and commitment required to contribute positively to the team and embrace the objectives of the program.
Racing history
Applicants must submit a complete cycling résumé outlining their race results, experience and development history.
Physiological and training data
Applicants must provide relevant physiological and training information, including:
- Critical Power, both relative and absolute.
- Work capacity in kilojoules.
- Current power curve.
- Verification of current body weight.**
Important dates
Expressions of interest close: 20 August 2026
Applicants notified: No later than 1 September 2026
All expressions of interest and supporting documentation should be submitted HERE.
Please contact info@aca-cycling.cc with any queries before August 19, 2026.
The next generation starts here!
* Australian passport holders may generally spend a maximum of 90 days in the Schengen Area without an appropriate visa or EU passport. The European campaign levy will be capped at $4,250.
** All personal and performance data supplied by unsuccessful applicants will be securely deleted following completion of the EOI process in accordance with the Australian Cycling Academy’s privacy policy.
