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Women Sprint Preview |
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When the field includes the most
successful female track rider in history Anna Meares,
Commonwealth Sprint Champion Stephanie Morton, triple World
Champion Kaarle McCulloch plus rising starts Caitlin Ward and
Rikki Belder you can be certain one of thing - great racing!
Sprint
Anna Meares
Olympic, World, Commonwealth, Oceania and Australian Sprint
Champion. There is nothing she hasn't done! A total of ten
World Championship titles, no woman has more and Meares is not
done yet. Took some time off after the Olympics but has
steadily been building her form since. Her tactical experience is
second to none. As the defending champion Meares will be
looking to defend. Won the sprint at the Austral carnival in
December.
Stephanie Morton
Paralympic Champion made the switch back to individual
competition after London. Since then Morton has gone from
strength to strength. Won the sprint at the Oceania
Championships in October for the second time, beating her idol
Anna Meares. Morton has a very quick turn of pace and every
race she rides she gets better tactically. Missed the Austral
carnival in December with illness but will be ready here.
Kaarle McCulloch
McCulloch is a two time National Champion in the sprint but is
still best known for her three consecutive World Team Sprint
titles with Anna Meares. Morton made a return from injury at
the Oceania Championships are missing a year of racing.
Finished third behind Morton and Meares but is clearly on the
way back. After battling depression she is back loving what
she does. Expect her to challenge for the podium but will not
have it easy.
Rikki Belder
A name many might not be overly familiar with but Belder has
been working away and improving every year. A multiple
National Champion in the team sprint with both Anna Meares and
Stephanie Morton. Belder finished fifth last year but she has
developed greatly as a rider since then. Won the keirin at the
Austral carnival beating Anna Meares on the line.
Caitlin Ward
Former silver medallist in the sprint at the Junior World
Championships was on an upward trajectory in 2014. Claimed
bronze last year and a medal in all four events. Won four UCI
sprint events in 2014 but is often inconsistent when it comes
to qualifying. Finished 12th at the recent Track World Cup in
Cali and if she can build on that experience will again be
challenging for the podium.
Other names to watch: Catherine Culvenor, Holly Takos and
Breanna Hargrave
Keirin
Anna Meares
Back to back World titles in 2011 and 2012 makes Meares again
the name to watch. In her first World championships back from
her post London break claimed silver. Not the defending
champion however as Stephanie Morton claimed her first big win
last year beating Meares in the final to take gold. Meares'
experience will prove valuable in an event she has won six
national titles in.
Stephanie Morton
Morton is back looking to make it three in a row in the
keirin. Winner in 2013 but with Meares absent but beat Meares
last year. Over the past two years Morton has stepped up as a
big rival to Meares nationally. Proved her win over Meares
wasn't just a one off occurrence when she claimed the Oceania
title in December.
Rikki Belder
Took the biggest win of her still young career at the Austral
Carnival. Not even a strong charge from Anna Meares could stop
Belder claiming the win. Belder also claimed bronze at the
Oceania Championships. Could Belder surprise again? A quick
turn of speed and with confidence on her side, could well find
the podium.
Kaarle McCulloch
McCulloch has been keirin National Champion in 2008 and 2010.
Her lack of racing over the past year will be to her
disadvantage. Didn't compete at the Austral or Oceania
Championships. If she is close to her former level could again
be challenging for the win.
Caitlin Ward
While Ward stepped up in the sprint events last year a win in
the keirin still proved elusive. Finished third at the
National Championships and fifth at Oceania's and silver at
the Japan Cup and BikeNZ Classic. Made the final at the Cali
World Cup and looking to be in contention before a medal
before being taken out on the penultimate lap.
Other names to watch: Catherine Culvenor, Holly Takos and
Breanna Hargrave.
500m Time Trial
Having been removed from the Olympic programme it is an event
not all riders compete it. Changes may be made when official
entry list is known.
Anna Meares
Olympic Champion in 2004, four time World Champion and three
consecutive Commonwealth titles and holds the World Record.
The 500m time trial is Anna's event and the one she first made
her name in. Silver at the 2014 World Championships.
Kaarle McCulloch
The 500m time trial has been the most successful event for
McCulloch with five national titles, 2008 and 2010-2013.
Other names to watch: Caitlin Ward and Catherine Culvenor
rounded out the podium last year. Stephanie Morton claimed
silver in Glasgow and will be a challenger should she decide
to race.
Team Sprint
Will be added when pairings are known.
Under 19
Courtney Field
Sprint sensation Courtney Field is the Junior World Sprint
Champion and silver medallist in both the keirin and 500m time
trial at the World Championships last year. Was in a league of
her own at Nationals as a first year doing the sprint, keirin
and 500m time trial triple. Expect to see Field again on top
as she starts her second year in the under 19 category.
Already 18 national titles to her name.
Brit Jackson
Jackson is still relatively new to the sport having taken it
up after watching Anna Meares win sprint gold in London. A
first year under 19 who claimed bronze in the sprint and
keirin at under 17 level last year. Bronze in the sprint at
the Oceania Championships last year.
Tahlay Christie
Another up and coming talent. Has never managed to beat Field
though, other than when Field was relegated at the Oceania
Championships in the keirin. Expect her to challenge but
breaking Field's dominance is unlikely. Under 17 National
Champion in the sprint, keirin and 500m time trial last year.
Brooke Tucker
Winner of the women's Austral in December and when you have
the last name Tucker there is a great deal of expectation on
her shoulders. Steps up to the under 19 level for the first
time. Silver medallist in the sprint, keirin and 500m time
trial at under 17 level last year.
Other names to watch: Bridget Mullany. |
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