Matt looks for Brissie blitz
TRACK sprinter Matt Glaetzer is the fastest rider in the world over 1km at sea-level but could rewrite the record books when the national track titles start in Brisbane today.
In November, Glaetzer broke the sea-level world record for the 1km time-trial – known as the kilo – when he rode 59.970sec at the Manchester World Cup.
He will tackle the event today along with team sprint qualifying and the 25-year-old said the Anna Meares Velodrome would be lightning fast.
“It will be quick,” he said, “I know that. The conditions in Brisbane will be better than I have ridden previously plus I have more training in my legs.
“Although I won’t be completely fresh for it, I reckon I will be able go and put down a pretty good time.
“I am excited but I’m not going to call a time just yet, I’m looking forward to ripping out a good time and hopefully I can go quicker than the world cup.”
After the nationals, Glaetzer will ride at the track world championships in the Netherlands before focusing on his major goal for 2018 – the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games – which will be held on the same velodrome that he’s racing on this week.
■ AUSTRALIAN cyclist Brodie Chapman yesterday held on to win the first women’s Herald Sun Tour, despite a storming ride from Annemiek van Vleuten.
The Dutch star won the 1.6km time trial second stage at Melbourne’s Southbank in 2:09.62 minutes.