New Zealand omnium rider Joanne Kiesanowski wasn't planning on spending part of January in Beijing. The Chinese capital's climate is not the most hospitable at this time of year but it will now be the next stop in Kiesanowski's Olympic build-up.

The name of Invercargill cycling identity Laurie Tall has been mentioned as a possible new moniker for the cycling velodrome, but the man himself won't have a bar of it.

Enterprising form last month has earned young female sprinters Natasha Hansen (Southland) and Katie Schofield (Otago) the opportunity to press a late claim for Olympic selection.