The team was selected from a 21-strong squad named following the Cycling Australia Track National Championships in Brisbane in March. Culling is one of only three Victorians selected for the world championships at Montichiari, Italy from August 23 to 27.

“We were supposed to find out last week but then it got pushed back to this week,” she said.

“I actually found out after it was released on the website, I got a notification on social media and found out, so that was really exciting.”

It is the first year that the Ararat Cycling Club member has been eligible for a junior world championships after turning 17 earlier this year.

“Just being part of the Australian team, you have worked so hard to get to that position and it is a relief to be able to pull on the green and gold,” she said.

“For me, just comparing myself to the other girls from other nations will be good, and of course I want to do as well as possible on the track.

“It will also help me get used to competing at that level, in another 12 months, I would love to make it again next year as a top-ager and take advantage of that if possible.”

She said selection was about more than just herself. 

“As much as it is the nation that I am representing, I am also representing Victoria, the community I live in and everyone else that has helped me get to where I am,” he said.

Culling has had an impressive year so far, winning her first under-19 gold medal at the national championships.

With an expected cost of about $8000, the Marian College student has started her fundraising efforts, which includes a dinner at Montara Wines.

“We have had so much support from the community, and some shops have also donated some things for raffles,” she said.

“We have also set up a GoFundMe page to raise some money as well.”