South West Academy of Sport cyclist Cadel Howie ready for state event

It's the Killarney-based athlete's final chance to race in the under 17s boys as he's a top-age competitor.

"Next year I'll be with the under 19s which is a big step up so this will be my last chance - because nationals got cancelled," he said.

"I really want to try and take full advantage and give it my all."

It's also been a long wait for the titles with it rescheduled three times this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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The youngster has stayed motivated and just kept training.

"Each time it gets pushed back, you've just got to refocus and go again," he said.

The 16-year-old will tackle the 65-kilometre road race on Saturday before a 15km time trial on Sunday.

Howie, who competed at the championships in 2017 and 2019, said this year would present a different challenge.

"They were both held earlier in the year and it was quite cold so it'll be interesting to see how it is in the heat," he said.

The youngster is keen to keep on top of his nutrition this weekend.

He explained last time he struggled with the final 10 kilometres of the race so he'll endeavour to keep his energy up with gels and bars.

"I just have to remember to eat a bit more while riding," he said.

Howie's pet event is the time trial which he noted is a different course this year.

He prefers that to the hustle and bustle of the road race.

"I'm not overly big and can't chuck out a big sprint," he said.

"The time trial is only 15k by yourself so it's about just concentrating on your own time and there's no strategy really, just go out hard and finish hard."

The Warrnambool College year 10 student is one of four South West Academy of Sport (SWAS) athletes going to the championships.

Warrnambool's Eddie Worrall is racing in the open men's, Port Fairy's James Verhoef is in the under 15s boys and Terang's Darcy Abbott is in the under 17 boys.

Howie, who has been with SWAS's cycling program for three years, has valued the experience.

"It's really good having people to talk to about cycling and get along well with and just ride with," he said.

"Eddie, he's a year older than me, he's an amazing rider and has taught me a lot and I hope to do the same with the younger riders coming through."

The SWAS team gets put through it paces on the Wangoom Training Circuit by coach Kerry King.

"She's amazing, the best coach I reckon you could have," Howie said.

"She keeps it fun and entertaining but gets you working hard."

Howie, who is on the bike about six times a week, is also heavily involved in the Port Fairy Cycling Club and competes in the senior and junior club races each weekend.

He also enjoys the club's social three-hour group rides on Saturday.

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