They may have claimed gold at their last World Cup meet but it will be a minor medal that will inspire the Australian track cycling team at this week's round in Brisbane starting on Friday.
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At first glance, Matthew Glaetzer's keirin bronze in last weekend's World Cup round in New Zealand was not an obvious standout for an 18-strong Australian team boasting 10 reigning world champions.
But the fact the sprinter was able to reach the podium at all in his first event since being diagnosed with thyroid cancer has the national team buzzing ahead of the three-day Brisbane World Cup meet.
Now the 27-year-old two-time world champion is hoping to defy the odds again before he renews his cancer treatment after the Brisbane round.
"The bronze in New Zealand was awesome. I didn't really know what to expect - I was just stoked to get in the final," Glaetzer said.
"The ongoing health concerns are always in the background.
"But it's just what I have to deal with. I have to bring it back to the simple things so when I do focus on the track I know I am ready."
While pleasantly surprised by his last round podium, Glaetzer admitted he was not sure what to expect in Brisbane.
However he was still confident he could push on to February's world championships and ultimately the Tokyo Olympics.
"It's hard to tell. It's a bit unpredictable at the moment but we will see what I have this week," he said.
"But I feel I have got good form. I am just not sure how long it will last."
Australia earned eight medals but just one gold at the last World Cup round in New Zealand after Georgia Baker and Alexandra Manly emerged triumphant in the women's madison.
But Glaetzer's courage appears to have primed Australia for big things at the Brisbane meet - the last hit-out on home soil ahead of February's world titles.
"Matt's result was incredible," Australia's reigning team pursuit world champion Annette Edmondson said.
"You don't know what he has been through mentally, you can only support him from the sidelines.
"But to see him back at training staying motivated and giving everything he has got to the sport is pretty inspiring.
"It boosts the team. You realise this is just a bike race.
"When someone you know goes through something like that it just puts things in perspective."
Brisbane will play host to the fifth World Cup round from Friday which will offer valuable qualifying points for the Tokyo Olympics and feature 300 riders from more than 50 countries.
Australian Associated Press
