Cycling Australia

Geoff Stoker

Australia's cyclists have begun the 2012 UCI Masters Track World Championships in great style, collecting four gold medals during the first two days of competition.

On the opening day in the Men's 45-49 750m event, Chris Murray recorded a scintillating time of 48.645 for the three lap event to set a new world best for the age category  Murray beat Denmark’s Bernhard Franspotter (50.074) by well over a second, with Britain’s Phil Houlton (50.473) in third.

Reigning world champion Gavin White (49.870) was the only rider to post a break the 50 second mark for the Men's 40-44 750m time trial as he beat Britain’s Neil Potter (50.282) to claim gold.

The green and gold of Australia glittered once more when Geoff Stoker edged British cyclist Adrian Dent to win the Men's 50-54 crown. Stoker (34.905 to) posted the only sub 35 second ride to finish less than a tenth ahead of Dent (35.098).

In the Men's Masters 35-39 kilometre time trial, Mark Jewell (1.07.866) took silver behind Great Britain’s Ben Elliott (1.06.338).

On day two, Andrew Gerber took gold in the Men’s 40-44 individual pursuit.  In the final, Gerber faced Elliott Davis of Britain and it was the Australian who had the better start, going through the first kilo ahead of British rider.

The gap was over two seconds at the halway mark, but Davis fought back to reduce that to just one second at the end.

In the women’s 40-44 time trial Cheryl Hulskamp (39.736) won the bronze medal behind Great Britain’s Julie Cooper (38.012) and USA’s Kimberly Edwards (39.434). 

The Championships, which are being held at the National Training Centre from October 7-14, feature over 1000 cyclists from 27 countries.