Kiwi team is still not tracking well

There was no bounce back from the New Zealand track cycling team on the second day of the world track championships.

After a disappointing opening day when the men’s team sprint and team pursuit failed to make medal rides, New Zealand would have hoped to rebound yesterday.

But the women’s team pursuit could only claim sixth spot, the sprinters in the men’s keirin couldn’t escape the first round repechage, and Natasha Hansen had to settle for a quarterfinal exit in the individual sprint.

Tom Sexton was New Zealand’s last hope in the men’s scratch race, but finished 17th.

New Zealand’s team pursuit of Rushlee Buchanan, Racquel Sheath, Michaela Drummond and Bryony Botha was blitzed by the brilliant United States team in the first round.

The USA lapped New Zealand with about 750 metres left in the 4000m ride, before clocking by far the fastest time of 4:16.340. New Zealand finished in 4:25.384, the sixth fastest time.

Prior to that, Hansen had put in a good showing early in the individual sprint but couldn’t overcome Germany Kristina Vogel in the quarterfinals. Sprint teammate Emma Cumming fell at the round of 16 stage.

After a strangely subdued performance in the team sprint on the opening day, Ethan Mitchell, Sam Webster and Eddie Dawkins struggled again in dipping out of the keirin during the first round repechage alongside Jordan Castle.

Sexton wrapped up the day in the men’s scratch, but when a three-man breakaway managed to lap the field, he was always looking at the minor placings.