Local pro cyclist Kelly Benjamin has been named to the National Track team heading for Sydney, Australia in November for World Cup Competition. Kelly who recently had very solid performances at Track Nationals, told Localcycling.com that a major goal has always been, "…to race for my country." While the selection process for teams can be quite complicated, no doubt Kelly's attempt on the Time Standard Qualification was a factor. In an 8 lap (2KM) test, a rider has to meet a 500 meter split and be under a final time to qualify. Kelly, with limited time on the LA Track was over by a scant .3 second. But it's noteworthy that only one other trackie out of 17 who attempted could meet the standard. Benjamin stated, "…it was one of the hardest things she's ever done!" For you fixie riders, her gear of choice was a 51 X 15 (92"). In Sydney she will compete in both the Scratch and Points races. Benjamin will finish out this track season and then campaign worldwide on the road with her Cheerwine mates in the Spring. Some of the International races the team will ride in 2007 are Geelong Women's Tour, Montreal World Cup, the Women's Giro, and Fleche Walloone. Check out Kelly's site here and follow her exploits in our diary section.