Matthew Glaetzer is about to enter the most important phase of his life and is expected to be one of the first cyclists selected when Australia's track squad is named for the Rio Olympics.
The 23-year-old Adelaide-born sprinter is regarded as one of the world's fastest riders and is already being compared to some of the sport's legendary names, including Great Britain's six-time Olympic gold medalist Sir Chris Hoy.
"It's a huge honour," Glaetzer said.
"He's a legend in our sport, the best ever. To be in the same sentence as him, it's exciting."
Glaetzer has already shared the limelight with his Scottish idol.
As Hoy entered in the twilight years of his career, Glaetzer was making an impression as an emerging talent.
Matthew Glaetzer claimed gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 Source: AAP
"I can remember competing at my first time world titles, I qualified around 10th. I raced him in the first round.
"I didn't care if I lost, it was a huge challenge for me," Glaetzer said.
Whenever Glaetzer jumps on the bike, he possesses a 'beast-like' aggression.
According to Cycling Australia's coaching staff, Glaetzer has many outstanding qualities.
"He's one of the most humble human beings you've ever met," Cycling Australia's High Performance Director Kevin Tabotta said.
The confidence Glaetzer has in himself is rubbing off on those directly around him.
Having burst onto the world scene as a teenager, Glaetzer is remarkably is the oldest male rider in the Australia squad that will compete at the UCI World Championships in London from March 2.
"Right now he sits as one of the fastest in the world," Tabotta said.
"His next challenge is to convert that speed into medals."
Like most modern-day fast men, Glaetzer has a distinct racing style which is becoming increasingly popular among sprinters.
When racing for the finish line, he leans over the handlebars of his bike to the point where his chin is almost rubbing against the front tyre.
It's a style which is also employed by fellow Australian Caleb Ewan and British champion Mark Cavendish on the professional road circuit.
"My spine vertebrae are hyper-flexible which allows me to get into that low position," Glatezer said.
"I don't do it purposely, it's just natural - me giving it my absolute everything as I try to get as aerodynamic as possible."
