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2015 Oceania Track
Championships Preview |
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Two of the biggest nations in
Track Cycling will come head to head in Adelaide next week for
the 2015 Oceania Championships.
Both nations have had highly successful years with Australia
third (most medals) and New Zealand fifth at the World
Championships in Colombia in February. Australia topped the
medal tally at the Junior World Championships in Korea, with
New Zealand third. Of the thirteen track events at the
Commonwealth Games, it was Australia who came out on top with
seven gold. New Zealand claimed four making them the top two
nations.
34 medals will be decided across the four days of competition
over junior and senior events. Reigning World, Commonwealth
and National Champions will line up for Oceania glory.
Qualifying points for 2015 World Championships and 2016 Rio
Olympics are also on the line.
Women's Endurance
Endurance Queen Nettie Edmondson returns to the track after
her road season and claiming her first gold medal at a major
international competition in the Commonwealth Games scratch
race. Despite having finished her road season two weeks ago
Edmondson will be the name to watch across the endurance
events.
A strong showing recently in New Zealand sees Ashlee
Ankudinoff a former Oceania Champion in multiple events come
in as Edmondson's biggest threat. Wins in the Omnium, Points
and Scratch races in New Zealand two weeks ago show her
renewed focus on the track has paid off.
Georgia Baker, Emily McRedmond, Sarah Roy, Rebecca Wiasak,
multiple Junior World Champion Lauren Perry who is making her
senior debut and Jaimie Nielson will be names to watch.
Men's Endurance
New Zealand brings a strong endurance squad including
Commonwealth Champions Thomas Scully (Points) and Shane
Archbold (Scratch).
Two former World Omnium Champions Michael Freiberg (AUS) and
Aaron Gate (NZ) will go head to head with Freiberg making his
track return after disappointment in missing out on selection
for the London Olympics.
With the names Alex Edmondson, Jack Bobridge and Michael
Hepburn missing from the start list Marc Ryan who claimed
silver in the IP in Glasgow will be looking for the top step
of the podium here.
Other riders to keep a close eye on are Scott Law, and Junior
World Champions Sam Welsford and Alex Porter as they race in
their first major international event as seniors. Be sure to
also keep an eye on Daniel Fitter, Tirian McManus and Westley
Gough.
Women's Sprint
Undisputable Queen of the Track and 10 time World Champion
Anna Meares leads a strong field in the women's sprint events.
Rising star and current Commonwealth sprint Champion Stephanie
Morton is one of many challengers. Former team sprint World
Champion Kaarle McCulloch continues her return from injury and
2012 sprint silver medallist at the Junior World Championships
Caitlin Ward is also eager to continue her rise. Stephanie
McKenzie will lead the Kiwi hopes.
Men's Sprint
Some of the world's quickest men will be in attendance
including reigning World and Commonwealth team sprint
champions Ethan Mitchell, Sam Webster and Eddie Dawkins.
Multiple World Champion and Olympic bronze medallist Shane
Perkins will look to continue on his strong season. Former
junior World Champions Matt Glaetzer and Jacob Schmid will
also lead the Australian charge for medals. The names Pat
Constable, Braeden Dean, Nathan Hart, Emerson Harwood and
should also be watched closely.
Juniors
After winning the sprint title at the Junior World
Championships in Korea, Courtney Field will compete with the
rainbow stripes for the first time. The ever talented Field
will look to continue her run of medals.
The progression of Tahlay Christie will be interesting to
watch in her first competition as an under 19.
In the endurance events watch for Dani McKinnirey who was part
of the team who claimed gold in the team pursuit at the Junior
World Championships.
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