New Zealand Junior Cyclists on the Podium in Wisconsin

 Two members of the New Zealand junior track endurance cycling team stepped onto the podium in the searing heat of Wisconsin, USA this morning (NZ Time), in the first of a five race haul in the Badger State.

 Waimate’s Dylan Kennett and Alexandra’s Sophie Williamson both finished third in their respective races at the Dairyland Waukesha Criterium, as a part of their preparation for the upcoming UCI Junior Track World Championships in Invercargill.

Coach Ross Machejefski said the New Zealand contingent of six riders rode beyond expectation, in just their first race of the middle-American leg of their US tour.

“For a first race, I thought the team rode really well. They did just as they were instructed to by the coaches,” he said.

“Our aim was to be up the front and in a strong position at the end of the race. Some had a great day, and some would have definitely learned from the experience for the next one.”

This six corner criterium was a reasonably flat 1.4km circuit around the dense urban areas of Waukesha, WI.

After riding such a technical course in draining heat, the team will compete in the Greenbush Road Race tomorrow in picturesque Sheboygan County, WI – the second event of five for the New Zealand team in the Tour of America’s Dairyland.

Fellow Kiwi junior and road specialist Emily Collins finished just ahead of Williamson in the women’s event to cross the line in second.

Other members of the New Zealand junior track endurance team include Tayla Harrison, Tom Beadle, Liam Aitcheson and Hamish Schreurs.

The UCI Junior World Track Championships take place at the Stadium Southland Velodrome, Invercargill from 22 to 26 August.