Southern cyclists shine in omnium

Southlanders featured prominently in the New Zealand omnium track cycling event in Cambridge recently, with Cam Karwowski and Kirstie James finishing third in the elite men’s and women’s events respectively.

The omnium was held as part of a training camp and coaching seminar to develop more riders for the demanding six-discipline Olympic medal event which is held over two days.

The elite men’s omnium winner was 2013 world champion Aaron Gate, while Olympian Lauren Ellis won the women’s race.

As well as getting third overall, Karwowski won the 1000m time trial, while James won the 500m time trial, flying lap, scratch race and individual pursuit.

Karwowski was one of only three riders to finish the final elite men’s omnium discipline, the demanding 160-lap points race.

‘‘I hung in there, I wouldn’t say it went well for me, I finished it and got through it,’’ he said. ‘‘You just have to watch your energy intake on that last day, as the two short events really take it out of you.’’

His favourite omnium disciplines are the 1000m time trial and the flying lap in which he has achieved some success at World Cup events.

‘‘In the last three World Cups I have done well in the 1000m time trial and flying lap, I have only lost one 1000m time trial,’’ he said.

Karwowski will be looking for an improved performance in the event at the upcoming Oceania track cycling championships.

‘‘I will be hoping to improve my individual pursuit and final points race, and look for a better spot than third at the Oceania champs,’’ he said.

Southlanders

Nick

Kergozou and Sophie Williamson also won individual disciplines within the omnium event, with Kergozou winning the elite men’s scratch race and flying lap, while Williamson won the elite women’s points race.

The focus for riders now switches to the 2016 Oceania track cycling championships starting in Invercargill on October 8.