Two-time Australian champion Gracie Elvin admits the turmoil surrounding the Australian women's team selection took it's toll, but they are determined to use it as motivation to win the world crown.
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Elvin is also hoping there'll be two rainbow jerseys coming back to the ACT and backs fellow Canberran Michael Matthews to win the men's title.
Accusations of sexism were labelled at Cycling Australia's decision to not pick a full women's team for the road race at the world championships in Bergen, Norway, this week.
Chloe Hosking and Rachel Neylan successfully appealed CA's decision to only select five women when they had spots for seven, after they'd picked a full entourage for the men.
Speaking for the first time, Elvin said Hosking and Neylan's inclusion would be a "big boost" for a women's team with several potential winners.
"I'm not going to lie, the drama surrounding the women's team has taken a toll on many of us," she said.
"I tried to use my frustration in a positive way and continue to work hard and focus on the goals ahead.
"We were really happy that Chloe and Rachel appealed to stand up for what was fair, and we were even happier when they were successful.
"All I can say is the timing and communication of the process could have been managed better, but it was great to read so much support for us and we will use that as extra motivation in the race."
Elvin said the worlds was one of two targets she'd had from the start of the year, along with the Tour of Flanders.
The 28-year-old finished second at Flanders and while the worlds' course might be harder than that one she was confident it still suited her.
But she won't be the only leader in the Australian team, which has several other options - including Hosking if it comes down to a bunch sprint.
She said it was a "Classics" course with a lot of climbing - suitable for an allrounder like herself.
"The worlds course is harder than Flanders, but within my capabilities, as the climbs will make the group size small for the finish and I have good speed to sprint from a reduced field," Elvin said.
"Our team has a few good options for a top result though and I won't be going into the race as the sole leader."
While Elvin might only be one option for the women to chase the rainbow jersey, the men's team has been built around Matthews.
The team will be riding for him after he won the green jersey at the Tour de France earlier this year.
Like Elvin, he's also an allrounder who can get up the climbs and still have enough pace in the legs to win a reduced bunch sprint.
Matthews was one of the favourites, along with Peter Sagan, who's looking for his third straight title.
He finished second to Sagan in 2015 and Elvin felt he could go one better in 2017.
"I'm really excited for Michael Matthews this year," she said.
"He has been getting better with every season, and to see how close he was in Richmond 2015 world championships I really think he has a chance to claim the win this year.
"He has a great team to support him as well and I think their approach to the race will be exciting to watch. I hope we can bring two rainbow jerseys back to Canberra."
