I say yes too. You start much earlier racing on the road. The only problem is the $$ or lack of it, sometimes finding a good shop that has serious bikes is harder. Of course depending on where you live it may have more choice, but until not long ago, maybe 6-7 years ago lots of racers (on sponsored teams) would have a steel bike with ultegra. Sometimes a decent race will have so many good juniors, it is like racing at the world cup level, with the talent present.
The diet is very different and the clubs have many programs from about 12-15 years old and onwards.
The Aussies are pretty good too. There is a no BS, no fuss attitude for cycling here. They just get the job done.