The Amy Gillett Foundation in partnership with Cycling Australia today announced details regarding the 2008 Amy Gillett Scholarship, which provides outstanding financial and in-kind support for its annual cycling recipient.

The Amy Gillett Foundation General Manager Melinda Jacobsen officially called for applications from Australia’s talented female cyclists. “Each year we look to support a well-rounded female athlete who is not only determined and capable of excelling in the sport of cycling, but who acknowledges the importance of continued further education and life off the bike,” said Jacobsen.

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, 2005.

The scholarship honours the memory of Amy by supporting young female cyclists who share her sporting and life goals.

A joint partnership between the Foundation and Cycling Australia/AIS High Performance Program, the scholarship provides a mixture of financial and in-kind incentives to the successful recipient. Support includes:

• Financial assistance with travel, accommodation and expenses whilst competing overseas with the AIS women’s team
• Giant road bike for training and competition, courtesy of Giant Bicycles
• 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

“The Scholarship provides a unique opportunity for both elite cycling and career development for the successful young cyclist”, according to Cycling Australia CEO, Graham Fredericks. “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.”

The 2007 recipient, Carla Ryan, has benefited enormously from the scholarship and encouraged her peers to apply for the unique opportunity.

“The scholarship has been a huge support in helping me further my career in cycling. It has provided me access to various resources and financial support which has been of huge benefit to my development in the sport. The experience I have gained racing on the international cycling scene, with the AIS national team, has been invaluable. I’m now looking forward to my recently awarded 2008 AIS Scholarship” said Ryan.

Selection criteria and application forms are now available here The closing date for all applications is on Friday, 22 February 2008.

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