'One of my favourite days': Richardson wins flawless gold at Milton #TissotNationsCup

16 May 2022 | 11:05 AMBy: Josh Davies

Matthew Richardson has won the 2022 Tissot UCI Track Nations Cup gold medal he was chasing in Milton, dominating the men’s sprint in flawless fashion.

The West Australian looked untouchable on Day 4 in Canada, with his gold medal final opponent Jeffrey Hoogland (Netherlands) sitting up in the second race when he was unable to close the gap to Richardson’s rear wheel.

The 23-year-old's performance solidifies what has been an international breakthrough of the highest order for the Australian Cycling Team talent, finishing on the podium five times in five events after two stops of the UCI Track Nations Cup season.

“Today was awesome - one of my favourite days I’ve ever had on my bike,” Richardson said.

“I just took confidence in my legs and raced the best way I could.

“The confidence is definitely building.

“There is still more work to be done when I get home but it’s certainly a good start to the season.

“I’ll take my experiences from these two Nations Cups and try and learn as much as possible for Commonwealth Games and the World Championships later this year.”

Richardson's gold medal was Australia's fourth in Milton and the the ninth podium finish for the green and gold to close out the second Nations Cup.

Alexandra Manly picked up from where she left off yesterday in Milton, winning a silver medal in tandem with Chloe Moran in the women’s Madison.

The Australian Cycling Team duo were strong throughout the entirety of the 120 laps and launched every attack they could muster at Italy’s eventual gold medal-winning pairing of Elisa Balsamo and Chiara Consonni.

2️⃣ athletes, 120 laps!

The Madison is a tough race, but the Italian team proved how tough they are to claim the 🥇 in the final endurance event on the women's schedule.

🥇 Italy
🥈 Australia
🥉 Ireland pic.twitter.com/vdhoautDvC
— Track Nations Cup Milton (@TWCMilton) May 15, 2022

Manly and Moran finished nine points in arrears of the Italians and were one of three teams to gain a lap in the race.

"Really happy with how the racing went over the past two days," Manly said.

"It was great to pair up with Chloe in the Madison and it was her first bunch race at this level - she did an amazing job.

"I’ll go back to the road now and get into the tours."

In other results, Matthew Glaetzer was impressive early in the day, qualifying second in the men's sprint behind Richardson’s 9.550 with a 9.558 flying 200m.

However, the South Australian’s day would unfortunately end in a quarter-final decider against Hoogland.

Australian Cycling Team rookie Graeme Frislie finished 10th in a frenetic men’s omnium, and Kristina Clonan also finished 10th in the women’s keirin.

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