Courtney Field defends Australian Junior 500m time trial title
	January 30th 2015           Reigning Junior Sprint World Champion Courtney Field continued her success at the under 19 level at the Australian Track National Championships on Thursday. Field successfully defended her 500 metre time trial title. Victoria of Institute of Sport head coach Glenn Doney took over as Field's coach after the Junior World Champions last year. "I am really happy with the progress she has been making." Fast out of the gate Field flew around the two laps of the track to post a time of 35.549 seconds. "I am happy with the time. It is a really good time it is a PB," said Field. Always looking to improve and go faster Field added "I am a little bit disappointed as I wanted to go a bit faster." Having won the title last year all eyes were on Field again in 2015. "It is very exciting to defend the title," said Field "I put a lot of effort in to the 500. It is an event you have to train for. So I put a lot of effort in to training for it and my coach Glenn Doney has really helped me train for it." "It was a PB for her in the 500. You can't complain every time she is getting on the bike she is riding a PB," added Doney. It was a strong victory with Field taking victory by almost half a second on silver medallist and rival Tahlay Christie, while Brooke Tucker rounded out the podium. What makes the victory even more impressive is just over a week ago an injury in the gym left Field unable to walk and complete gate starts. The injury hasn't deterred Field who was back training as soon as she was given the all clear. "I was a bit nervous after the injury and that I wouldn't be able to find any form so close to nationals but I am really happy with how my body recovered. Maybe it needed a little break." Despite the setback Field is happy with her recovery. "I am really happy with my form though and thankful for all the support from my physio and coaches who helped me through it." "It was a small injury but she came back and got PB's in the standing lap in the team sprint. Her first two times under 20 seconds. It is I think the second quickest a junior has ever done that so very happy," said coach Glenn Doney. Field who is now in her second year as an under 19 dominated at the under 15 and under 17 level as well as the sprint triple last year as a first year under 19. Despite still being 17 the time trial gold brought her total up to 19 over her still young career. "It is a really big achievement. I am really humbled and honoured to win 19 times," added Field. "It doesn't come easily, I work really really hard to be the best and do what I do. I'm really thankful for the people around me." Sprint Queen Anna Meares is Australia's most successful cyclist with 32 Australian titles. Field is already well on her to reaching that number. "I am really thankful to have won 19 times. It is really special. I am on my way to coming close to Anna Meares." Field's focus now turns towards to the sprint on Saturday. With the Junior World Sprint title usually going to a second year Field has a rare opportunity to wear the rainbow jersey. "I feel really good and the crowd is sold out so it is really exciting. I'll get to race in front of a packed crowd again after the Austral. "I can't wait to put on my rainbows, show them off and execute some good races." Electing not to ride the keirin last night. "We are focusing on the sprint, Courtney wants to have a good crack at that," added Doney. Earlier in the event riding with Caitlin Ward, the duo claimed silver in the elite women's team sprint. Courtney Field charges to the line to win gold on 500m Time Trial.