Cyclists on track for medals

New Zealand is assured of at least three medals on the opening day of track cycling competition.

The men’s team pursuit topped qualifiers and were the only team under the 3min 50s barrier in qualifying for the 4000m time trial. They will take on hosts England in what will be a noisy reception at the Lee Valley VeloPark, which played host to the 2012 Olympics 10 years ago to the week.

The New Zealanders lined up with a new starter in Tom Sexton. He joined Jordan Kerby, Campbell Stewart and Aaron Gate, who all returned from the combination at the Tokyo Olympics.

The women’s team sprint were also fastest in qualifying, breaking their national record in 47.841s, edging the mark they set at April’s Oceania championships in Brisbane.

The exciting trio of Rebecca Petch, Olivia King and Ellesse Andrews will take on Canada in the gold medal race.

The surprise came in the women’s 4000m team pursuit. They only confirmed they would race when sprinter Ellesse Andrews agreed to start to give them the compulsory four riders. The team’s plans were thrown into disarray when Ally Wollaston scratched after fracturing her wrist in the Tour de France Femmes road race this week.

Andrews, a former junior world pursuit champion but now a sprinter, completed two laps as per the plan. The remaining three riders, Michaela Drummond, Emily Shearman and Bryony Botha, judged their pace perfectly to clock a competitive 4min 18.434s.

While Australia bettered that with 4min 14.605s, the New Zealanders watched as Wales and Canada imploded and finally the hosts, England came up a second short. Just like that New Zealand were assured of a place in the final.

There is hope for a fourth medal with the men’s team sprint trio of Bradly Knipe, Sam Dakin and Sam Webster finishing third fastest in 43.974s in the 750m time trial. They were the third team out, moving to the top spot, and then watched while India and Canada faded under pressure.

The powerful Australians climbed to the top with a Games record 42.222, leaving hosts England as the final runners. They were just ahead throughout, and finished 0.6s faster, meaning New Zealand will take on Canada in the bronze medal ride.