Rising star Wiggins given scholarship with institute

Albany cyclist Craig Wiggins has received a scholarship from the WA Institute of Sport after being recognised as a future international representative in the sport.

Wiggins is now a scholarship holder on the WAIS Individual Athlete Support Program, giving him access to high-performance services such as coaching and help with strength and conditioning, nutrition and physiology.

He is believed to be the first athlete living outside the metropolitan area to receive a scholarship of this kind and, although he will not train full-time with the WAIS cycling program, senior cycling coach Andrew Jackson will work closely with Wiggins' coach Stuart Passmore to continue his development.

WAIS said in a statement Wiggins warranted its support after winning an under-15 national road championship and a silver medal at the Australian Track Championship earlier this year.

The statement also said Wiggins had shown potential to be able to develop into an athlete capable of representing his country at an international level in the future.

The 16-year-old said it was a big thrill to learn that he was receiving a WAIS scholarship.

"They want me in Perth as much as possible to do training sessions," he said.

"Hopefully it will help get me fitter, stronger and mentally tougher.

"I am riding four to five times a week and doing extra stuff like stretching - WAIS will get me a weights program to do as well."

Adding to his scholarship, the talented teenager was also recently picked up by National Road Series team OTOC Vault, based in Perth.

Wiggins has joined its development squad and that will allow him to race on the NRS circuit next season, based on his performances.

Currently on school holidays, Wiggins is preparing for a busy period ahead in which he will compete at the State road titles later this month, the State time trial in August and the national road championships in Melbourne in September.