After guest riding for the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) cycling program, the 18-year-old was selected to ride with the program full-time after finishing his Higher School Certificate (HSC) in November. 

Chris began training with a nine-cyclist team aged between 18 and 22 in February. The team is headed by renowned cyclists Brad McGee (the  program’s head coach) and Ben Kerste (the sprint development coach). 

The NSWIS program aims to develop riders and supports the daily training needs of up to 15 track and road cyclists competing or showing the potential to compete at an international level in open, transition and junior categories. 

Chris said riding with the team will put him in a good position to progress in the sport.  

“It’s just another stepping stone to becoming professional...it’s what I want to do,” he said. 

“The coaches: Ben and Brad are super mentors. They’re really good cyclists and know their stuff.”

Swapping celebration parties and even schoolies after finishing the HSC to train for the cycling National Championships in Adelaide in January - Chris’ determination for the sport is palpable. 

Chris competed in five races at the national competition, placing second in the scratch race and fourth in all of his other events.  

“After I finished school I didn’t go to any parties. The HSC finished on the Wednesday and I was literally in Sydney that Sunday,” he said. 

“I’m super dedicated. Becoming pro is a dream I’ve had for a few years now. I feel like I’m in a position now where I can really make it a reality, so I’m hoping to crack that pro status.” 

Chris, along with his NSWIS team mates, recently took part in a two-day training camp in Bowral, Sydney which involved a strenuous five-hour kayak, a six-hour mountain bike ride and bushwalking while carrying a backpack weighing 45-50kgs with his clothes and weights. 

Chris said the camp was designed to test each team members mental and physical abilities. 

“It was mentally challenging but it brought all the boys a lot closer and really tested us all as athletes,” Chris explained.  

Chris’ individual training schedule involves two to three days a week on a cycling track, a couple of gym sessions and stationary bike or road cycling sessions. 

As part of the NSWIS program, Chris races with his team mates in the National Road Series just about every fortnight in locations like Sydney and Victoria. 

He is also in training for the 110km long course Blayney to Bathurst Cyclo Sportif Challenge on Sunday April 12. After that he will take on the Under 19’s National Championships on the Sunshine Coast.