Andrews nabs gold in keirin
WELLINGTON: New Zealand rider Ellesse Andrews has completed a triumphant return from injury, winning gold in the women’s keirin at the Nations Cup in Canada.
Andrews followed her silver medal in the women’s sprint on the Milton track on Sunday with victory in her specialist keirin, winning the sixrider final in a manner similar to when she claimed gold at last year’s world championships in Glasgow.
It was the 24yearold’s first major meet since breaking her collarbone in a fall during the year’s opening Nations Cup event in Adelaide in January.
There was some concern Andrews’ place at the Paris Olympics could be in doubt but she has recovered in good time and highlighted her power in both events.
She qualified for the sprint final, where she was beaten twice by French rider Mathilde Gros.
Andrews faced a strong field in the kierin final but paced her threelap journey well, tucked in behind Dutch leader Hetty van de Wouw at the bell for the final lap.
The former Wanaka rider then powered to the front and used strength to hold the field at bay.
Steffie van der Peet (Netherlands) was second and Lauriane Genest (Canada) third.
Andrews told the host broadcaster she was delighted with her form.
‘‘It’s a long way to travel but it’s better than going to Europe so I’m super happy with the outcome,’’ she said, before outlining her plans in the leadup to the Olympics.
‘‘I’m heading home tomorrow and just getting in some really solid training for three months.
‘‘I head over to Europe in July and then over to Paris.’’
Last year, Andrews became the first New Zealand rider to win an individual gold medal in a sprint discipline at a world championships.
It followed her silver medal in the same event at the Tokyo Olympics and her trio of gold medals at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. — RNZ