Mitchelton-Scott cyclist Gracie Elvin expects making the Australian team for the Tokyo Olympic Games to be just as hard as the women's road race course.
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Elvin said the Tokyo course - which is set near Mt Fuji - could be deceptively hard, but it could suit her.
That's if she makes the team, predicting 12 Aussie women would be in the running to fill a maximum of four spots.
She predicted early season form next year would determine whether she gets to ride at her second Olympics.
"It does suit me in some ways and maybe not in others," Elvin said.
"There's about 12 female Australian riders that are capable of making that team selection.
"It's just going to come down to who's finding their flow early next year. It's going to be really hard for the selectors to pick a team."
Elvin re-signed with Mitchelton-Scott for next season, extending her time with the Australian team to an eighth year.
She'll again target the European spring classics, with the Tour of Flanders her main focus.
"In the past I've mentioned how much I love the classics - that hasn't changed, I still love those races in spring," Elvin said.
"I always want to do well there, especially at the Tour of Flanders.
"That'll be the first bunch of goals and then we'll just have to see from there.
"Because it's an Olympic year it can be a bit tricky."