RaboDirect Age Group Track National Championship – Day 5 Wrap

The RaboDirect Age Group Track National Championship was an emotional event for Cycling Southland coach Ross Machejefski.

Machejefski has coached Cycling Southland to three consecutive overall points national championship wins including their definitive win this year. With the home advantage, Southland has been prominent in these championships, with over 70 of the riders coached by Machejefski.

“This is my third national championships with the centre and each time it gets better and better,” he said.

Machejefski has been selected to attend a level three coaching course run by the UCI (International cycling body) which is the highest of coaching courses available.

Southland’s Sophie Williamson was the star of the under 19 women’s omnium, taking her overall win in style by finishing first in the points race. Williamson, a first year under 19 rider, lead the omnium from the first event and her five out of six wins left her almost unbeatable. WCNI’s Cassie Cameron was the next best in the omnium finishing six points behind Williamson.

Alex Frame stole a lap on the field to win the under 19 men’s point final, a slim one point ahead of Canterbury teammate and omnium leader Dylan Kennett.

Kennett proved he was a jack of all trades not only winning the omnium title but also the team sprint title as well. He had more than a 10 point lead over his omnium rival Fraser Gough (WCNI) and won the award for the most podium placing from the under 19 men.
With the inclusion of the omnium in the Olympic schedule this event has taken on a new significance, with selectors looking at riders who have the speed, endurance, tactical nuance and consistency to excel across all disciplines.

Stephanie McKenzie added another national title to her name when she teamed up with fellow Southlander Kate Dunlevey to beat the Auckland pair of Paige Paterson and Raquel Sheath in the under 19 women’s team sprint by nearly a second.

The men’s race was convincingly won by the Canterbury trio of Dylan Kennett, Tayla Harrison and Harrison Perriam ahead of the composite team.

The master’s men 3000m team pursuit final was a messy affair with the Southland 2 team catching the Southland 1 team who exploded with two laps to go.

Full results are available here: http://www.cyclingsouth.org.nz/index.php?pageLoad=251