By Aaron Cordy
GREATER Shepparton has produced many incredible cyclists who have appeared on the world stage. Names like Betty Curtis (Knight), Elizabeth Taylor (Tadich), John Thorsen, Stephen Fairless and Brett Lancaster OAM have represented the region with passion, excellence and a lot of two-wheeled pedal power.
Now, another young, local Cyclist, Isla Shaw, is tearing up the bitumen of the national cycling scene at Australian Junior Track and Road competitions, securing second overall nationally in Adelaide on Saturday and Sunday, January 17 and 18.
The Adelaide meet, where Isla won her silver medal, was the final round of the three-round national series. Last year, the 15-year-old Isla competed in Perth, where she finished second overall and third overall in Sydney. After the three meets, she had earned a total of 358 points for a podium finish.
At nine years old, Isla attended a come-and-try day at the Shepparton Cycling Club and found a passion for the sport. It wasn’t until age 12 that she began competing in road events. A PE accident at school forced her to take a year off riding when she needed a knee reconstruction. In 2024, she was back on the bike, competing in track and road events.
“I guess the love and passion for the sport keep you going. I’ve obviously got people to look up to, like Brett [Lancaster]. He has done it. It’s like a good tool to look up to and think, maybe one day that could be me. I’ve got potential, and if I train hard, I can do it,” said Isla.
Isla demonstrated her potential by adding her silver medal to her growing list of accomplishments, which has already seen her on the world stage representing Australia in Malaysia last year.
“I would like to go to Europe, maybe Belgium, to do some racing. I’ve been thinking about that to get the feel for racing in another country. Obviously, I would love to go to the Olympics when I’m older. That’d be a great goal.”
Community support has been a big part Isla’s success. The Rotary Club of Shepparton with the Tom Brewer Sport Scholarship, Cher Hetherington of MyndMovement, and coaching and mentorship from Stephen Fairless and Brett Lancaster, have all helped the young track star along the way.
