M5 Management and Australian Cycling Academy announce new alliance
M5 Management's Triathlon Academy and the Australian Cycling Academy have formed a strategic alliance to assist in talent identification and extend the sporting career options available for their athletes.
Founded by Phil Stoneman, M5 Management's triathlon academy is based in Brisbane. The Australian Cycling Academy (ACA) founded by internationals Matt Wilson and Ben Kersten is located at the University of Sunshine Coast campus. Both entities operate in similar sporting circles in areas of talent identification and career development, and the core synergy they share is the positioning of athlete wellbeing as their primary focus. Under the framework of the alliance, both parties will identify and direct the talent best suited for either M5 Academies (Triathlon) or the Australian Cycling Academy. Athletes at both academies will also benefit from opportunities to train together and share their expertise.
"I've long respected and supported the work Matt and Ben have done in establishing the ACA, and it's been a pleasure to watch the academy team build on their success year on year", said Phil Stoneman.
"Phil and M5 Management have been a wealth of experience and knowledge for the ACA to draw on over the past two years, and we share the same values and philosophies focusing on the athlete as a whole person. We are thrilled to formalise a partnership that will give athletes further specialised pathways in sport and in life," said Australian Cycling Academy Director Ben Kersten.
"It's not uncommon for athletes to try several sports before they find their niche. A great example of the success of this approach is M5 athlete Melissa Hauschildt who successfully transitioned from steeplechase/middle distance at international level to triathlon. Our partnership with the Australian Cycling Academy is about identifying the best Australian talent and finding the right fit for each athlete. If athletes make the decision to transition to cycling or triathlon, the alliance ensures they have a clear pathway and immediate support," said Stoneman.
"Our newly branded 'Pro Racing Sunshine Coast Team' has gone from strength to strength since we launched 18 months ago. We have competed in 10 countries around the world, recording 126 podium finishes and a remarkable 73 wins including UCI, National and Oceania titles at junior and senior level, multiple Commonwealth Games gold medals and a World Record. We recently launched our first women's team in conjunction with Cycling Australia which has four podium potential riders that are on track for selection for the 2021 national teams for the World Championships and Tokyo Olympic Games" said Kersten.
"I'm looking forward to working with the ACA team. Our M5 Academies are expanding to meet demand including the introduction of a pro-team in April and it will be extremely helpful to have another set of experienced eyes scouting for talent", said Stoneman."
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