Dawkins classy in gold strike
Invercargill’s Eddie Dawkins has produced the ride of his life at the world track cycling championships in Cali, Colombia, to give New Zealand a nearperfect start to their 2014 campaign.
Dawkins anchored the Anthony Peden-coached BikeNZ team sprint squad in the gold medal final against defending world champions Germany, blazing his way home on the final lap to give New Zealand its first world title in the event, and a second medal after the team pursuit squad won bronze earlier in the session.
Team-mate Sam Webster praised Dawkins’ finish after the final.
‘‘He pulled the cat out of the bag. Power to the big fella, he won the race for us.’’
It was rich reward for the New Zealand trio, who had previously won bronze and silver at the world championships, finishing second to Germany in Belarus last year.
BikeNZ head coach Dayle Cheatley was blown away by the performance of sprinters Dawkins, Webster and Ethan Mitchell.
‘‘The team sprint was unbelievable,’’ he said.
‘‘It has been a programme developed over four or five years and their work ethic and commitment was been outstanding. Tonight everything clicked.’’
Earlier in the session, the New Zealand team pursuit squad also surprised, beating Germany in the bronze medal final after qualifying fourth fastest.
Like the team sprinters, the new lineup of Pieter Bulling (Southland), Dylan Kennett (Waimate), Aaron Gate (Auckland) and Marc Ryan (Timaru) had to come from behind in their race before taking the bronze comfortably.
New Zealand will be hoping for more success on day two as five Kiwi riders are in action at the Velodromo Alcides Nieto Patino.
Dawkins returns to compete in the men’s keirin and the New Zealand challenge in that event will be further bolstered with the presence of Olympic bronze medallist Simon van Velthooven (Manawatu).
Ryan tries his luck in the 4000m individual pursuit alongside Timaru’s Shane Archbold (Timaru). Meanwhile, Kennett will be in action in the men’s Scratch race.
The championships continue until Monday.