Teenage trio to pedal in China
New Zealand and Southland cycling can say they’ve claimed one of their Australian counterparts.
Southland cyclist Riley Faulkner, who is was also eligible for her birth country Australia, has been given the green light to race for New Zealand, after recently receiving her citizenship in what will be her first time representing New Zealand.
Faulkner didn’t compete in the 2024 Oceanias because she would have still been tied to Australia and it would have meant she couldn’t wear the Silver Fern until 2026.
Her citizenship came through in March just before the cut-off to the junior worlds, so she was eligible to be selected for New Zealand, a country she’s grown up in most of her life.
“It was a big decision for me but riding for New Zealand just seems to be the better decision. I have been here most of my life and it makes sense, and is who I want to represent.”
Faulkner was incredibly talented and was one of the quickest starters out of the gate for her age, and continued to set New Zealand record times over 250m.
She held numerous records across a variety of races and was excited to be representing New Zealand.
“It’s definitely exciting. I cannot wait to get over there and race for New Zealand. Making the team was great because I didn’t have as many opportunities as others to stake my claim, so I’m pleased I managed to make it.
“I have always wanted to go to an international event and being picked is great.”
Faulkner’s main goal for Luoyang, China, was to perform in the team sprint.
“I want to help the team do well in that because we’ve got three pretty good girls and could hopefully medal. I just want to get them out strong if I am a starter. I am not as concerned about the individual events because I have always got next year if I am picked.”
Caitlin Kelly, who won bronze at last year’s junior worlds in Colombia, was back again for a second crack, alongside Magnus Jamieson, who also attended last year.
The trio were part of a 10-strong team heading away, and they made up a third of the team.
“It’s very exciting being able to go again. I got to experience it last year. I am a year older now and more experienced, so hopefully I can improve from last year,” Kelly said.
“I am expecting it to be a step up. There were some insane times last year and I can only imagine they’ll be faster this year,” the 2023 bronze medallist said.
Her success came in the keirin last year and Kelly, 17, wanted to better her performances in all the events this year.
“I have a bit more experience in sprinting now.
“Last year I worked real hard, and then when I got there I was like, ‘well, let’s see what I can do’, and this year it’s now about taking that step up and performing well.”
Faulkner was the youngest in the team and would still be 16 when they competed in China.
Kelly said it was nice having a fellow female cyclist from the deep south attending too.
“Riley and I have done a lot of racing together. We’ve always set some really good times and raced well together. It’s nice having a familiar face alongside,” Kelly said.
Colombia’s track had a roof but was open around the side. Kelly and Jamieson said China would be nice because the venue would be fully enclosed.
Jamieson, 17, said he expected China to be a lot different to what they experienced in Colombia.
“Racing, the culture, everything will be different,” Jamieson said.
“We just go over there and race. Our races are picked for us. It’s definitely exciting. I am happy with how the season has gone.
“I just want to train hard and prepare myself as best as possible for China.”
The trio were part of Academy Southland, with Jamieson and Kelly in their second year and Faulkner part of the 2024 intake.