Olympic medallist Sam Webster sparked a strong effort from New Zealand cyclists on the penultimate day of competition at the UCI Oceania Track Cycling Championships in Melbourne.
Webster held off fellow Rio medallist Eddie Dawkins to win the individual sprint final, with Ethan Mitchell fourth, beaten out of a clean sweep by Matthew Glaetzer.
The 2013 world champion Aaron Gate re-emerged in the omnium ranks, winning the elite men’s honours comfortable. He was third in the scratch, won the tempo race and was second in the elimination before dominating the final points race to win on 189 points.
Compatriot Regan Gough, who won the elimination, was second on 142.
Meanwhile Racquel Sheath was runner-up in the elite women’s omnium behind Australian Ashlee Ankudinoff with fellow Kiwi Holly Edmondston third, on the back of a win in the tempo race under the new omnium format.
Ellesse Andrews continued her strong form with second placing overall and Georgia Dunford third in the junior women’s. Andrews won the scratch race and tempo race.
In other racing Aaron Wylie was second in the junior men’s individual pursuit and Shaane Fulton third in the junior women’s sprint.
The championships, which conclude today, are the first chance to collect UCI qualifying points for next year’s world championships, blood some new talent and compete under some of the new racing formats.
Full results: http://timedresult.com/
Photo courtesy Guy Swarbrick: Aaron Gate in action