The Australian Institute of Sport, Australia’s premier sports training institute, will disband its women’s road racing development program due to lack of funding, media report.

The cycling program has been crediting for developing such riders as Amanda Spratt (ORICA-GreenEdge) ad retired champions Anna Wilson and Sara Carrigan.

Just months before this week’s saddening news, funding cuts also forced AIS to shift its Jayco-AIS Continental team to a “WorldTour Academy” status.

While it is not uncommon for funding to be tight following an Olympic year, this is sad news as it limits the opportunities, equipment and resources available to up-and-coming female athletes to help them progress into the pro ranks.