The Amy Gillett Foundation in partnership with Cycling Australia today announced details of the 2009 Amy Gillett Scholarship, following Carla Ryan's dual gold-winning performance at the Australian Open Road Cycling Championships.

One talented Australian woman cyclist will be selected to join Australia's AIS High Performance Program overseas to compete internationally and will receive financial and in-kind support as she endeavours to launch her cycling career.

The scholarship recipient will join the likes of 2007 recipient Carla Ryan, who used the support to gain vital experience internationally and is now riding for a professional team in Europe. Carla has just won the 2009 Australian Open Time Trial Championship, the second time she has done so, along with the 2009 Australian National Road Championship.

Carla Ryan and 2008 recipient Carlee Taylor were both offered a full AIS scholarship at the conclusion of their Amy Gillett Scholarship.

The scholarship is a partnership between the Foundation and Cycling Australia-AIS High Performance Program and provides a mixture of financial and in-kind incentives to the successful recipient.

Amy Gillett Foundation CEO Tony Fox has now called for applications for the scholarship.

"This is the fourth year of the Amy Gillett Scholarship and our focus remains to support a female athlete with the skills and abilities to excel in the sport of cycling, but who also acknowledges the importance of further education and broad life skills," said Fox.

The dual emphasis on work and learning reflects the qualities successfully pursued by elite cyclist Amy Gillett before she was killed whilst on a training ride in Germany in 2005. The scholarship honours the memory of Amy by supporting young female cyclists who share her sporting and life goals.

Cycling Australia CEO Graham Fredericks acknowledged the opportunity for our talented young women cyclists. "The scholarship provides a unique opportunity for both elite cycling and career development for the successful young cyclist," he said. "It also contributes to underpinning Australia's position at the pinnacle of international women's road cycling by providing another pathway to the AIS and national representation."

In addition to suporting a talented female cyclist each year, the Amy Gillett Foundation aims to promote mutual awareness and understanding between cyclists and motorists on Australian roads.

Scholarship support includes:

• A position to race internationally with the AIS women's team; includes financial assistance with travel, accommodation and expenses while competing overseas with the team
• A road bike for training and competition
• Eye wear products courtesy of Oakley
• Assistance with entry fees and insurance when competing nationally and internationally
• Oversight of training by national coaches
• Access to AIS clinical services during training camps at the AIS

 Closing date for all applications is 5pm Friday 20 February 2009.

Click here for selection criteria and application forms.