The team was selected from a 21-strong long squad named following the Cycling Australia Track National Championships at the Anna Meares Velodrome in Brisbane in March.

Culling is one of only three Victorians selected in the squad for the world championships, to be hosted in Italy in August.

The 17-year-old said it was a long wait to find out if she was selected for the final squad.

“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.

Culling said she has a lot she wants to achieve in Italy during the five-day championships.

“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 it was also an honour to represent so many people on a world stage, including Ararat residents.

“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.

The Marian College student said in March she was confident she would make the final cut after the training camp.

"You have to go into these things knowing you are capable of it,” she said.

“I know myself and my abilities and I think I can do it.

“Just to be named in the team is a big achievement but representing the country will be pretty special if I can make it.”

With an expected cost of about $8000, Culling 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.”

The championships will be hosted at Montichiari, Italy from 23-27 August.