SHE only learned how to ride a bike three years ago but Eden Sealey-Cunnington is already a state cycling champ.
The Hilliard State School student earned two golds and a bronze at the Queensland junior state track championships, hosted earlier this month at the Anna Meares Velodrome.
She competed in three under 13 girls events.
Her father Zane Cunnington said his daughter cycled the 500 time trial finals in a personal best of 48.46 seconds, reaching speeds of just under 40km/hr and winning gold.
She raced ahead of other competitors to win the 2000-metre scratch race, also earning bronze in the flying 200 final.
“Eden took off from the whistle at the start (in the scratch race),” he said.
“Despite the best efforts of others, they couldn't catch Sealey-Cunnington, giving her a clear victory.”
“So by the end of the day, Eden was two-time state champion and a bronze medalist.”
Mr Cunnington said his daughter had since set her sights on victory at road cycling state championships in July.
He said Eden was inspired to try out competitive cycling after watching Olympic track cyclist Anna Meares.
“She saw Anna and really liked her,” Mr Cunnington said. “Eden won states for her first year on track.”
Mr Cunnington said his daughter did interval training to boost her strength and track cycling only in the weeks leading up to competitions.
Outside of competitions, Eden cycled outdoors with her family for fun, he said.
Eden is a member of the Sunshine Coast Cycling Club.
