The selection comes after an impressive performance at the Cycling Australia Track National Championships where Culling won the gold medal in the women’s points race as well as a silver medal in the women’s team pursuit.

Culling said it was a great feeling to be selected in the initial squad.

“I have known for a couple of weeks but I had to wait until the official announcement to tell people,” she said.

"I was so excited when I found out, then when I could tell people, all my friends were congratulating me.

"But the hard work is not quite done just yet.”

Culling will travel to Melbourne for a 10 day camp in June where the squad will be reduced to four or five cyclists in the women’s track endurance section.

The 17-year-old will continue to train for the road cycling season but will balance that with some track training.

“I have just come off a couple of weeks break, so training will definitely intensify now and I am already working with different people on different things to help,” she said.

The Marian College student said she is confident she will make the final cut after the training camp.

"You have to go into these things knowing you are capable of it,” she said.

“I know myself and my abilities and I think I can do it.

“Just to be named in the team is a big achievement but representing the country will be pretty special if I can make it.”

Culling said she had some differences in her approach to races that will set her apart from the other riders who made the long squad.

“I am pretty nervous but I use the nerves to help me during races,” she said.

"My tactics in the bunch race sets me apart from the others I think.

“But it will all come down to my performance at the camp and how we work together as a team that will be important in getting me through to the final squad.”

The final announcement for the Australian squad will be on June 21.

The championships will be in Shenyang, China from August 23-27.