JUST how much racing will unfold remains to be seen, but Tolland Cycling Club will help standouts Myles Stewart and Rebel Brooker cover their costs thanks to a new scholarship.
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The Rider Scholarship Program will allow Stewart, who joined professional outfit Nero Continental last year, and Brooker, who enjoyed a breakout 2020, pay for costs like accommodation, fuel and entry fees.
Stewart, 21, is hopeful of border restrictions easing in time to compete in Adelaide later this month, where a smaller domestic cycling festival will be run instead of the Tour Down Under due to the COVID pandemic.
Brooker won two bronze medals at last month's national track championships, capping a year which also featured a Griffith Cup win and a state criterium title.
"The Tolland club has recognised we've got some riders doing really well at NRS (National Road Series) land also state and national representative level. We wanted to put together a program to help Myles and Rebel financially," Tolland president Will Silver said.
"We recognise the costs of travelling and entry fees can add up over the year, so it's our contribution back to the riders.
"It's not every day you get riders of this calibre in the club. Rebel's had an outstanding 2020, and has really stepped into the senior levels with some really good results.
"It's important for Rebel and Myles to feel as though the club is behind them, and that's our way of giving back to them for being part of the club."
Stewart said the uncertainty surrounding 2020 with a lack of racing, which will likely continue this year, is tough mentally.
"It's mostly NRS teams in Adelaide and there's only one or two world tour teams. But because the border's closed to South Australia we can't get across yet," he said.
"It's a bit annoying at the moment. We still have to wait and see and still train, but be ready to go if it happens.
"At the start of the year it was hard because you're thinking 'what am I training for?', but you have to be ready for anything.
"Events always cost a fair bit travelling across NSW, but it's good to get this scholarship and have a bit of money in the back pocket because it adds up."
Brooker said it would make life on the circuit easier.
"It's good to have that support behind us and know the club's there to help us out," she said.
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