Motorcycling Australia (MA) has announced the eight riders who have made it to the second phase of the Elite Performance Academy (EPA) for 2015.

The final EPA squad for 2015 is:
– Mitchell Evans (motocross)
– Fraser Higlett (enduro)
– Ben Kearns (enduro)
– Jaimon Lidsey (speedway)
– Broc Pearson (road race)
– Tom Edwards (road race)
– Troy Guenther (road race)
– Lachlan Taylor (road race)

EPA exercise physiologist Tim Cole commended the eight riders picked for the final squad, adding that their selection came at the end of an extensive and difficult selection process.

“Each of the riders selected in the final squad stood out amongst, what has to be said, a magnificent crop of athletes at the first camp,” Cole said. “The eight riders selected all demonstrated an ability to excel in their training when confronted with an elite training environment.

“Combined with the results from the physiological and psychological testing conducted at the camp, were identified as having the potential to become world champions in the future.”

The squad of eight will regather on the Gold Coast for a follow up camp in September, with Cole adamant that the hard work was only just beginning.

“As we stated when this program was announced, selection in the final squad would only be the start of a three-year pathway towards competing on the international stage,” Cole said. “The camp in September will focus more heavily on on-bike training and skill development, utilising an approach never before seen in motorcycling within Australia.

“These advanced skill acquisition techniques will be combined with further exposure to advanced training methods to enhance performance of EPA squad members and demonstrate the type of commitment required to succeed as an elite athlete.”

The final squad was selected based on performances from the initial EPA camp on the Gold Coast in June, in which the athletes were exposed to elite level practice in the areas of sports science, sports psychology and athletic preparation during the initial camp.