Australian Record for Christie in Junior Worlds Debut
WAIS cyclist Tahlay Christie has set a new Australian record in finishing fourth in the women’s team sprint at the Junior Track Championships in Astana, whilst Alex Rendell and the Australian men’s team pursuit squad have taken a significant step towards a gold medal ride-off after posting the fastest time in qualifying.
Christie, who is making her Junior Track Championship debut in Kazakhstan, paired with Victorian cyclist Courtney Field to qualify for the bronze medal ride-off against Italy after setting a new Australian record of 34.499sec over the two laps.
The Italian team shaved the Aussies, by a mere .19 of a second for bronze in the final, but the Australian girls were understandably delighted with their performance following the days action.
“It means so much,” said Field, herself the reigning individual sprint world champion. “I’m just over the moon with the time that we did.
“Just showing us how all the hard work that we put in over the past few years has really paid off and that we have represented Australia with pride.”
Germany claimed gold in a world record time of 33.899secs, eclipsing their new mark set in qualifying with 33.962secs. New Zealand collected silver.
In the 4000m men’s team pursuit qualifying, WAIS athlete Alex Rendell rode with; Rohan Wight(SA), Kelland O’Brien (VIC) and James Robinson (TAS) to post the fastest qualifying time of 4mins 8.343secs.
Their qualifying effort has created a strong opening through to the gold medal race and the team is looking forward to returning to the boards on day two of competition for a shot at the rainbow jersey.
“I’m really happy with how qualifying went, to qualify fastest is really exciting,” said triple reigning national champion Wight. “I’m feeling pretty good ahead of tomorrows racing, and am looking forward to getting out there with the guys again and having a good ride.”
Australia will face Poland, the fourth fastest qualifiers in 4mins 13.484 secs, in round one tomorrow with the winner advancing to the gold medal ride.
-CyclingAus