New Zealand cyclists have begun their international season with success on both sides of the Atlantic at the weekend.
The sprint team are currently based in Pennsylvania for a block of training and racing.
Commonwealth Games medallist Matt Archibald took out the final of the UCI Sprint competition, while teammate and world championship medallist Eddie Dawkins won the UCI Keirin final over Great Britain’s Matt Rotherham.
Both events were category one UCI events that earn points towards world cup and world championship qualification.
Meanwhile across the Atlantic, endurance track rider Alex Frame has won the omnium competition at the 30th Memorial Vlastimil Moravec competition in the Czech Republic.
Fresh from his outstanding performances on the road at the An Post RAS Tour of Ireland, who he won the sprint jersey competition, Frame has taken out his first major omnium competition.
He beat off Denmark’s Caster Pedersen, this year’s overall omnium world cup winner, and Italy’s Liam Bertzazzo in the event that comprises six disciplines – scratch race, elimination race, Flying Lap, time trial, individual pursuit and points race.
Southland's Nick Kergozou was also racing but was involved in a series crash losing considerable skin - but still managed to get back on his bike and finish the event.
“It’s good to see the teams earning some early success,” said Cycling New Zealand head coach Dayle Cheatley. “They have all settled in to an important period of training and therefore it’s pleasing to see they are also competing well while still in full training load.
The squads are preparing for this summer’s world cup and world championships, with an early highlight when they host the UCI World Cup in Cambridge in December.
CAPTION: Matt Archibald in action.
Photo courtesy Guy Swarbrick