Flyer Michael nabs another skating crown

Kapiti speed skating sensation Peter Michael has grabbed his second title at the World Speed Skating Championships in China.

Michael showed his versatility by winning the 1000m on the track to add to his earlier 15,000m elimination victory in Nanjing.

The win chalks up his eighth senior world title.

It also shows history can repeat as Michael won both titles in Italy four years ago.

New Zealand coach Bill Begg said he fortunate to be privy to both double title victories.

‘‘Peter is an extraordinary athlete and showed his mental toughness in the race.

‘‘This 1000m was very special as the Colombians who were second and third have won a truckload of world titles between them.’’

Andres Munoz and Andres Jimenez led the race with a perfect team strategy however Michael, in a very smart tactical move, got between the two Colombians.

As they come into the last 200m lap Michael, timing his run to perfection, came out of the last bend and nailed Munoz close to the line with a brilliant sprint.

Two days earlier the 27-year- old had an extraordinary win in a tough 15km elimination race.

After 75 laps Michael won by less than one hundredth of a second.

It was the fourth time he had won the event at the world championships.

Michael was unbeaten from 2011 to 2014, before switching to long track ice last year and not defending his title.

With two laps and 400 metres to go Michael appeared in control.

Colombian Alex Cujavante however came off the last bend and looked to be about to take Michael, but the irrepressible Kiwi surged again.

Michael then appeared wrong footed in an awkward lunge for the line with the Colombian.

The official announcement however handed the victory to Michael, by 0.008s.

Michael’s gold medal efforts have single-handly lifted New Zealand to fifth on the medal table.

Colombia are the runaway leaders with 12 gold, 12 silver and a bronze.

Earlier Michael just missed a medal with a fourth place in the 10,000m points elimination race.

In the 500m Josh Whyte of Kapiti was 16th and Timaru’s Dale Christoffersen 25th, in a field of 54.