New Zealand riders Kirstie James and Zac Williams have stepped out of the shadows of their more illustrious teammates with telling performances on the second night of the Oceania Track Cycling Championships in Cambridge.
New Zealand cyclist Zac Williams. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
James made it three Oceania titles in two days with victory in the women's 3000m individual pursuit on Monday night, backing up wins in the 4000m team pursuit and points race on the opening day.
"I'm really satisfied with my results through the training block we have had and I have exceeded my expectations here," James said.
"I have always wanted to win a pursuit title. It is an event that shows your true form and true grit.
"It is the only race that can hurt you that much, so to back up after winning the points race last night, I was really happy with that."
Williams set the morning session alight in qualifying for the 1000m time trial when he clocked 1:00.447, which was the fastest time by a New Zealander at sea level.
He also broke the New Zealand All Comers record held by London Olympic medallist Simon van Velthooven.
It was a New Zealand trifecta in the final with Williams forced to fight hard after an indifferent start that saw him half a second down through the first lap.
He dug deep to power home in 1:00.825, his second time under the 1:01 barrier to head fellow elite Squad riders Bradly Knipe (1:01.429) and Nick Kergozou (1:01.517).
"I am absolutely stoked. The record this morning was a bit unexpected but to do that time and beating the guys I know that have gone sub 1:01 in New Zealand history is pretty cool," Williams said.
"It is hard doing two rides with the new format. You really have to dig deep in that second ride and nine times out of 10 it is never going to be as fast as the first one.
"We had a few execution issues in that ride but I am still over the moon with the title. I knew it was going to be tight but I had to give it everything.
"I was seeing about four black lines around that last corner, but I got there and I am so happy."
