Canberra mountain bike star Rebecca Henderson hopes her first elite Australian title can provide the perfect boost for a whirlwind tour to New Zealand, the US and South Africa.
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Henderson and fellow Canberra rider Dan McConnell won the female and male elite cross-country categories in Bright on Saturday.
After dominating the junior circuit for years, Henderson finally broke through for a senior title.
''I finally got an elite title, I've had eight different category wins but to finally get the real deal is pretty cool,'' Henderson said.
''Most of the racing we do is in the elite category, but in the World Cups I've been in the under-23s. Ever since I got out of the age group races I've always wanted to get that top prize.''
Henderson missed the cross-country eliminator event on Sunday after injuring her back in the cross-country race.
Henderson and McConnell will now fly to New Zealand for the Oceania titles before training in the United States and competing in South Africa.
Henderson won her race by 59 seconds while McConnell blitzed the field by one minute, 23 seconds on the five-lap course.
Both Henderson and McConnell raced at the Olympic Games in 2012, but finished well out of medal contention.
''I definitely feel a bit of pressure racing in Australia, I feel like I've got something to lose and thought there was a target on my back,'' Henderson said.
''I didn't know how good my form would be. This is a pleasant surprise, so hopefully it helps with the international season.''
