And after 34 races, 71 flights, 365 hours on planes, crossing international borders 23 times, three world championships and the highest honour in Australian cycling, Buchanan says she is ready to narrow her focus to BMX.

The 23-year-old winner of Cycling Australia's highest prize - the Sir Hubert Opperman Medal for cyclist of the year - said she owed her success to her heartbreaking loss at the London Olympics.

Buchanan lost the gold-medal race at her debut Olympics and was in tears when she crossed the line fifth, despite having been the fastest qualifier.

But the Canberran has rebounded in the best possible way, claiming two world championships and becoming the youngest winner of Cycling Australia's athlete of the year.

''I'll probably have grey hairs when this year finishes,'' Buchanan said. ''I didn't think I'd be able to top that Olympic year until it was time for Rio.

''But I've completely topped that in terms of memories, results and experiences. I owe it all to losing that medal race in London last year.

''All the changes have worked for me this year. I always over-commit and say yes. It took its toll because I burnt the candle at both ends.

''But it's been rewarding and I'll be using this experience to help me in the future.''

Buchanan has one race left on her 2013 calendar before ending the most gruelling year of her career - three world championships in three countries across 56 days and three disciplines.

She ended with world titles in the BMX and four-cross events. But with Rio 2016 Olympic BMX selection to start next year, she will be cutting back on her racing schedule to be at her peak.

''I'll have a meeting with my coach this week about the calendar for next year,'' Buchanan said. ''I don't want to over-commit myself like I did this year.

The Olympic selection process starts in March, and there are World Cup, world championship and some national rounds here and in the United States.

''I might only do one mountain-bike event … there's still a lot of travel. I've ticked this challenge off so I'll move on to something else next year.''

Buchanan will stay in Canberra this week before flying to the US for the last race of her season.

Her successful year could hit more highs when the Australian Institute of Sport hosts its awards night on Thursday.

Buchanan is a finalist in the athlete of the year category alongside swimmers Matt Cowdrey and Cate Campbell, track star Evan O'Hanlon, rower Kim Crow and snowboarder Alex Pullin.

Buchanan is the youngest winner of the Cycling Australia prize and just the third female athlete.