Shepparton cyclists Jack Edwards and Luca Lancaster called up to Victorian junior track team

By James Kleeman

Mar 2, 2023

Young guns: Luca Lancaster and Jack Edwards have recently been selected in Victoria’s junior track team. Photo by Megan Fisher

Two is better than one.

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That adage rings especially true for Shepparton cyclists Jack Edwards and Luca Lancaster, who have taken their cycling journey to a new level this year, earning spots in AusCycling’s Victoria Junior Track Team to compete at the National Championships in Brisbane in April.

Under the tutelage of Shepparton Cycling Club members and Proform coaches Brad and Rhianon Norton, Lancaster and Edwards have picked up a swathe of medals and wowed onlookers on the track this season.

For Lancaster, the past few months have gone especially quick.

The son of Olympic gold medallist and Shepparton cycling legend Brett, Lancaster has grown up with cycling in his blood.

Bringing it home: Luca Lancaster competes at the state track championships at DISC. Photo: John Gondek.

He only returned to Australia last year after spending a large amount of time in Europe and already looks right at home on the road and track circuit.

After starting off as a road cyclist, Lancaster jumped on a track bike for the first time competitively in December for the state championships at the DISC Velodrome in Melbourne.

The young cyclist went on to secure a fourth-place finish and silver medal in the 500m time trial and individual pursuit.

And in a moment that is sure to have left a few at the velodrome teary-eyed, Lancaster was presented with his first track medal by his dad.

With a world champion role model to look up to, it’s no wonder Lancaster has begun to scale new heights early in his cycling career.

It’s the sport his father excelled at that Lancaster has ultimately fallen in love with and the young star says he’s starting to uncover a competitive edge that motivates him in every race.

“I just really enjoy it,” he said.

“If I beat a personal best I’m really happy, or if I get a medal — it’s just a great feeling.”

Full focus: Jack Edwards competes in the junior men’s 17s Bill Daish Memorial Derby Final race at the Shepparton Christmas Track Carnival. Photo by Megan Fisher

Meanwhile, his partner-in-crime Edwards has helped give Lancaster that competitive edge and has pushed him in training.

Edwards has also enjoyed a sublime few months on the track — collecting a huge medal haul from his past several outings.

Edwards secured two golds and two bronze medals in the state championships at the Adelaide Superdrome last year in the under-17 category.

At the most recent junior track state championships a fortnight ago, he secured another two gold medals in the 500m time trial and in the sprint race.

He’ll have another crack at nationals this year after representing Victoria in the under-17 category as a bottom age cyclist in 2022.

It’s hard to believe the young cyclist will turn 15 next month.

He celebrated Christmas with a handful of wins at Shepparton Cycling Club’s Christmas Carnival and brought in the new year with a win at the state criterium championships at the Citroen Bay Crits in January.

“It’s much better now to have Luca here, to have another person on the track,” Edwards said.

“I just love the aspect of racing and always trying to be better and trying to beat your times.

“That’s the main thing that motivates me.”

The action doesn’t slow down for the emerging talents.

The two cyclists will jet off to Brisbane in April for a shot at national glory.

Lancaster and Edwards will represent Victoria at the 2023 AusCycling Junior Track National Championships in Brisbane from April 11-14.