Michael stores his best for world titles
West Australian cyclist Michael Storer is a teenager of few words, but the work he does on the road speaks volumes about his talent and potential.
The 17-year-old from the Midland Cycling Club will ride for the Australian junior team at the world road championships in Spain next month, part of a seven-rider team which also features WA's Jai Hindley.
Storer earned his spot on the back of a season in which he captured the Oceania time trial and the national criterium titles in his age group.
His criterium title was impressive given he started the race riding for a teammate before being told to go for it in the dying stages.
Storer's love of the bike began when he started riding to school in Year 4, a 20km round trip every day.
He said once he started riding competitively, there was no looking back.
"I like the tactics about it and the endurance nature and the technical skills required as well. It mixes everything together," he said. "There's a satisfaction in pushing through pain."
Like many riders his age, Storer has yet to decide between road and track as a specialty.
His results at the world championships may influence the decision one way or the other.
"My goals for the worlds are about learning as much as I can from the experience and try to do the best rides I can do to try and get the best result," he said.
"I will try and do everything right to give me the best chance for a podium."
Australia have had limited success at the junior men's world championships since they were first run in 1975.
WA's Luke Durbridge, who recently completed his first Tour de France with pro team Orica-GreenEDGE, was the last Australian to win a title in the division, claiming the time trial rainbow jersey in 2009.
Sprint specialist Caleb Ewan was the last Australian to win a medal, silver in the 2012 road race.
The 2014 UCI road world championships begin in Ponferrada on September 21.
