The four women who will aim to tame the tough roads of Rio have been selected for the 2016 Olympic Games.
The team features three Olympic debutants in Gracie Elvin, Katrin Garfoot and Rachel Neylan, as well as London 2012 Olympian Amanda Spratt.
Having finished fourth in the time trial at the 2016 World Championships, Garfoot will be Australia’s sole representative in the race against the clock around Rio.
“I believe we have a strong, smart and committed team capable of a medal if we race with smart tactics,” said Neylan, who finished June with a win at the Plumelec Grand Prix in France.
“Our time trial specialist Katrin Garfoot has proven ability to compete for a medal, the course is well suited to her strengths and her preparation so far has been outstandingly professional.”
The women’s road race takes place on day 2 of Olympic competition (August 7) with Garfoot set to contest the time trial on Day 5 (August 10).
The Australian Olympics Committee also confirmed the men's Olympic cross-country team. Dan McConnell will make Australian Olympic history in Rio as he becomes the nation’s first athlete to compete at three Games in the mountain bike discipline.
He is joined in Rio by one of the nation’s brightest prospects in the sport in 21-year-old Scott Bowden, who will make his Olympic debut.
"I am excited to represent Australia at the Olympics in Rio,” said McConnell.
“It is the biggest event you can do so to be able to compete in my third Games it means a lot to me and something I can share with everyone who has helped me along the way.”
Since finishing 21st at the London 2012 Games McConnell has risen up the world rankings and currently sits just outside the top ten.
“I have progressed quite a lot since London. I had to train so hard to make those Games and I’ve continued to train just as hard and keep that focus up ever since.
“My main focus at the moment is getting back to the form that got me to the top end of the sport and I'm putting all my energy into that, if I can get there for Rio anything is possible.”
The men’s mountain bike competitors are among the final athletes to compete in Rio with the race taking place on the final day of competition in Rio.
