They've trained together for years and share a friendly but competitive spirit on the cycling track.
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Now, Sarah Cliff and Ryan Britten are both ready for their next big opportunity.
The Illawarra pair have been selected into the prestigious NSW Institute of Sport's cycling program. Cliff and Britten, who are members of the Illawarra Academy of Sport and Illawarra Cycle Club, have shown great potential in track cycling.
They've both achieved tremendous results at state and national level, including being named as Under-15 Male and Female Cycling NSW Cyclists of the Year in 2018.
"Ryan and I have always been quite close so it will be nice to share this opportunity with him," Woonona teenager Cliff said.
"I'm pretty stoked. It will be quite a big opportunity for me as it provides a lot of further opportunities."
Cliff and Britten will receive guidance from elite cycling coaches, including IAS coach Mick Marshall.
The pair have worked with Marshall for several years. They've been part of the IAS program since getting their first scholarship in 2016/17.
Cliff admits that it will be nice to have another familiar face at the NSWIS.
"It has great facilities and some of the best coaches in NSW and Australia," the 15-year-old said.
"It's all new territory for me so it will be great to have Mick there by my side. From the very start, he's been there for me, and shown and guided me through cycling. He's taught me tactics and some life lessons as well."
Britten hopes being part of the NSWIS program will be a stepping stone to higher honours in cycling.
The Cordeaux Heights teen, who won six gold medals at the Cycling NSW U/15s and U/17s Track Championships in February, is focused on representing Australia.
Britten is particularly eyeing off the 2022 UCI Road Racing World Championship, which are set to be held in Wollongong.
"I am thrilled the world cycling community is coming to my home town," the 15-year-old said.
"I would love to have the best road cyclists here in the region experiencing the fantastic location that I train and ride on a daily basis.
"My other longer-term cycling goals are to medal at the Track Oceanias in 2021, to be part of the Australian track cycling team and aim to medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics Games.
"I am delighted to be considered for the pathway of representing Australia in the 2024 and 2028 Olympic track endurance events."
Cliff and Britten will continue training in isolation to prepare for when they can return to competitively racing, at a date to be announced.