Josh Duffy has carved out a pivotal role for himself in Australia’s team pursuit line-up.
Photo Credit: Commonwealth Games Australia
When South Australian Alex Porter took a sabbatical following his high-profile crash at the Tokyo Olympics, national selectors needed a specialist starter and the Tasmanian’s time trial credentials made him a prime candidate.
Duffy has since made the role his own and become a key part of youthful line-up, teaming up with Graeme Frislie, James Moriarty and Conor Leahy to win the Nations Cup in Milton, Canada, lapping the Italians in a one-sided final having earlier clocked the fastest time in qualifying.
Also a national champion in madison, time trial and scratch race and Oceania champ in team pursuit and madison, the 22-year-old is relishing his role.
“Alex Porter was the starter and in his absence there was a gap to fill and I have been able to step in,” Duffy said.
“I've taken over the starting role on the team. It's a bit of a niche role, I'm starting to progress and it's working well for the team because we have some big, strong engines to bring it home.
“I hop out of the gate and get the team up to speed then get back in, empty myself in the second term then get out of there. It's a bit daunting but you get used to it. It's part of the job, I back myself and so do the team. It's well-rehearsed.”
The Launceston City Cycling Club member is expecting a busy schedule at the Lee Valley Velopark which also hosted track cycling at the London Olympics.
“The team pursuit is our big goal but the plan is to do the time trial and scratch race as well. I've shown at nationals that I'm competitive in those events,” Duffy said.
“It sounds like a good schedule for me and a good chance to hit all three as hard as I can so that none are conflicting and it should be exciting.”
Reflecting on his 2016 Devonport Wheel win and the 2018-19 Launceston Wheel double, Duffy added: “They do seem a long time ago but also they don't because I've always enjoyed the Tassie carnivals, that's where it all started for me.”
Duffy is among the first Tasmanians in action in Birmingham, alongside Georgia Baker at the Lee Valley Velodrome on Friday morning, while Jake Birtwhistle contests the individual triathlon at Sutton Park and Ariarne Titmus kicks off her hectic campaign at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre.