WA Cyclists Make Bright Start at ITS Melbourne

A youthful Western Australian team has enjoyed a strong start to the ITS Melbourne track cycling event at the DISC Velodrome with Jade Haines and Kye Bonser both earning keirin wins.

Western Australia claimed both under 19 keirin titles in quick succession with Jade Haines taking honours in the women’s competition after jumping from fifth wheel to victory as the derny (moto pacer) pulled off track.

Haines used her pursuiting strength to hold off challenges from Emma Cumming (NZL) and Brooke Tucker (QLD) to record an impressive win.

“It feels really good,” said Haines. “I really wanted to try and do that race really well considering I didn’t do good in the elimination, so I was trying to get a good result,” she said.

“It was always the plan to go to the front with two and a half laps to go,” Haines added.

The youngster who is preparing for July’s Junior World Championships in Switzerland said drawing fifth wheel hadn’t dented her confidence leading into the race.

“When I flipped over the card and saw I got position five, I was at the back anyway and I have jumped before and it has worked so I thought I would take my chances.”

Just minutes later, 17 year-old Kye Bonser flew home for victory, adding a second win for WA ahead of Bradley Knipe (NZL) and Conor Rowley (VIC).

Bonser hailed the win as an important step in his development, believing the confidence gained would hold him in good stead.

“I felt a bit heavy coming out in the first heat but usually through the racing I get a little bit better and my legs start to come alive,” he explained.

“I couldn’t believe it to be honest, I didn’t expect to come across such great riders and I’m just stoked. This boosts my confidence really high and I’m keen for more racing.”

Tahlay Christie – who will join Haines in competition in Switzerland next month – missed qualification for the keirin final, but bounced back to capture a race win in the B Final.

Haines raced to a fifth place finish in the junior scratch race, whilst Matt Richardson was mid-field in the men’s elimination race before finishing fourth in the final of the men’s U19 keirin.

WAIS cycling program head coach Clay Worthington said the squad had enjoyed an encouraging first day, whilst pointing out the learning opportunities presented for all athletes.

“Today was a good day for WA,” he said.

“I’m very happy with how the team performed and placed in most cases. Even where the results weren’t as good, we still walked away with lessons learned, and there is always value in that.”

Photo: Con Chronis