The New Zealand team sprint cyclists, featuring Southland's powerhouse Eddie Dawkins, are guaranteed a medal in the final of the men’s team sprint later this afternoon on the opening day of the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Belarus.
The kiwi trio of Ethan Mitchell, Sam Webster and Eddie Dawkins have qualified top in the team sprint in 43.065sec which is the fastest time ever recorded by a New Zealand team.
They will take on defending champions Germany, in a repeat of last year’s final in Belarus.
Russia take on France for the bronze medal with Great Britain in fifth and Australia sixth.
The final is later this afternoon, after the New Zealand team race for bronze in the team pursuit.