04/03/2011 - There was excitement across all events at the fourth day of the RaboDirect Age Group Track National Championship in Invercargill.
The future of women’s pursuiting looks bright. Auckland’s Georgia Williams toppled the under 19 women’s individual pursuit national record in qualifying this morning and then dug even deeper to again lower it in the final where she took gold.
Alex Frame triumphed over fellow Cantabrian Dylan Kennett the under 19 men’s individual pursuit final. Frame rode a strong race to finish nearly three seconds ahead of Kennett, sending a strong signal to the selectors that he in form for the junior track world championships.
Frame was unable to add the national scratch race title to his tally, instead he had to settle for second behind Auckland’s Dion Smith. Smith made a brave move attacking in the second half of the race, quickly establishing an almost half-lap lead. Despite their best efforts the nunch was unable to catch him before the line.
Sophie Williamson won the under 19 women’s scratch race in spectacular fashion to secure her four point lead in the omnium. Like Williamson, Dylan Kennett continues to lead the under 19 men’s omnium, having lead since the first event. With the inclusion of the omnium in the Olympic schedule this event has taken on a new significance, with selectors looking at riders who have the speed, endurance, tactical nuance and consistency to excel across all disciplines.
Erin Criglington (Southland) lowered her existing national record in the women’s 34-44 years individual pursuit, clocking in a 2.36.073 and winning the gold medal ahead of Tamara Ross (WCNI).
It was a Southland trifecta in the women’s 45-54 years individual pursuit. Jacqueline Dearlove who added a second national record to her name at this championship was joined on the podium by Marie Muhl in second and Sam Kopae in third.
Young Olivia Podmore (Canterbury) won hearts in the under 15 girls points race final when her two heroic attacks from the back of the field saw her win both sprints.
The men’s 35-44 year old points race was dominated by Andrew Barlow (ECNI) who managed to sneak away from the bunch and put two laps on the field.
Racing concludes tomorrow.