Auckland cyclist Zac Williams caused an upset at the National Track Champs in Invercargill yesterday, beating local hero Eddie Dawkins in the final of the 1000m time trial.
Auckland cyclist Zac Williams triumphs at the National Track Champs. Photo: Supplied
"The goal this week was to try and win this and then the team sprint later in the week, so that's one done," said Williams, who finished second to Simon van Velthooven at last year's nationals.
"It's a pretty cool feeling, especially against someone like Dawk, who medalled at junior worlds and for a while was the best rider [in this event] in the country."
Young Palmerston North prospect Jordan Castle was third behind the two Olympic representatives.
Following on from her win in the time trial at the national road championships, Jaime Nielsen claimed the women's 3000m individual pursuit title from Rushlee Buchanan, with Kirstie James heading off Lauren Ellis for the bronze medal to prevent a clean sweep of Rio Olympians.
Waimate's Dylan Kennett continued his push for selection for the world championships with victory in the men's 4000m individual pursuit, holding off local rider Nick Kergozou in the gold medal ride, with Hugo Jones taking bronze from Tom Sexton.
Rio Olympian Natasha Hansen, edged out Southland team-mate Emma Cumming to claim the women's 500m time trial title, with Tess Young in bronze.
London Olympic BMX medallist Sarah Walker continued an impressive apprenticeship on the track with fifth place.
