Trotman will head to Canberra to compete in the three-day Tour of Canberra.
"I'm looking towards the Commonwealth Games in 2014 . . . I'm driven to represent New Zealand. I love wearing the silver fern on my back," Trotman said.
"Up until February this year, I was taking my cycling one race at a time. But I performed well and had to look further ahead."
Trotman said a change in racing style had brought her recent success.
"My main goal is to ride aggressively. Since February I have been trying to ride more aggressively. Trying to control the race more. So far it's bringing me good results."
The tour consists of a 15km time trial on day one, followed by a 77km road race on day two and a 40km road race and criterium on day three.
Trotman was aware of the competition she would face in Canberra and was philosophical about her chances.
" I'm treating it as a learning experience. A lot of [Australia's] top riders will be there. It's hard to pinpoint how I will go. It's a little bit of an unknown."
After the Tour of Canberra, Trotman will race in the fourth race of the elite cycle series in Canterbury in August.
"I came second in the last race, so I'm hoping to go one better in the next," she said.
After the series, Trotman will take part in the elite national championships in January before heading to Europe to race.
Trotman said student life had provided her the time to accomplish her cycling goals.
"Being a student is awesome because I have the free time to ride, but it's difficult to fund your travels. This is my fifth year down here and [Dunedin is] definitely my cycling home.
"The training here is really incredible. The scenery is amazing.
"That's the big reason I ride my bike, because of the journey."
She will be holding a quiz to fundraise for her trip at 3pm tomorrow at The Bog Irish Bar.
