Kristina Clonan chasing Junior Track World Championship selection in 2016
	January 5th 2016         Kristina Clonan after claiming bronze in under 19 omnium. Photo: PelotonWatch           Despite finding success on the road in 2015 with the under 19 Oceania road race title, top 10 stage finishes in the Australian National Road Series and a podium at the Noosa criterium, Kristina Clonan has her sights firmly set on the track and being selected for the UCI Junior Track World Championships in 2016. Clonan who originally started out competing in athletics and when deciding between swimming and cycling as a cross trainer, she chose the latter and her career has taken off since then. A fifth place finish in the omnium at the 2015 National Championships in December 2014 set Clonan up for a strong first year in the under 19 ranks. With her speed in the sprint Clonan claimed silver in the scratch race and bronze in the points race at the Track National Championships. A month later and Clonan was back on the road for the Oceania Championships in Toowoomba. The opening day saw her take bronze in the item trial. "I was happy with bronze especially as Junior World Championship medallist Anna-Leeza was just so strong so I was happy to be up with her." Two days later in the road race Clonan took the biggest win of her career taking out the bunch sprint in the road race to be crowned Oceania Champion in the junior road race. "The win in the road race meant a lot to me," said Clonan. "It came down to a sprint finish and I knew I had a bit of kick so the it was just about holding on and be fresh enough to have that kick at the end to finish it off. Despite the success on the road Clonan's ambitions on the track are taking priority for 2016. "Right now I am focused on the track, and with my coach Nick Formosa at QAS we are working really hard to make the Junior Track World Championships team." Clonan's track season and her final as a junior started in December at the Australian Omnium National Championships. After finishing fifth last year Clonan headed in chasing a spot on the podium in a strong field. "I came in a bit sick but I'm really happy with my performance to get bronze. The IP was definitely an area that I wanted to perform in and I got third in that. "The big thing about the omnium is backing up after each of the events and there is a big mental side to it. "From now it is just the progression in to nationals and looking to earn selection for the Junior Track World Championships." Longer term Clonan has here eyes set on representing Australia. "The Olympics are definitely where I am looking long term! I think they are up there on everyone's list and the Commonwealth Games." With the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, the 17 year old who lives in Buderim, on the Sunshine Coast could be looking at participating in a major event in her home state.