Australia's best track cyclists converge on Brisbane for 2023 TrackNats
NATAustralia’s best track cyclists begin their quest for coveted green and gold national champion's jerseys at the 2023 AusCycling Track National Championships from today until Sunday at Anna Meares Velodrome as part of the Brisbane Cycling Festival.
The stars of Australian track cycling have all made their way to Brisbane to do battle, with the start lists headlined by team sprint world champions Matthew Richardson (WA), Thomas Cornish (NSW) and Leigh Hoffman (SA).
Joining the sprint trio is a long list of Paralympics champions, Commonwealth Games medallists and hungry stars of the future looking to make their mark on the national stage.
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Among one of many storylines to watch this week is 11-time national champion Kristina Clonan’s (QLD) hunt of four-peats in the elite women’s sprint, keirin and 500m time trial.
Individual pursuit national record holder Conor Leahy (WA) is chasing a four-peat of his own in the elite men’s individual pursuit.
Leahy's Western Australian teammate Richardson ascended to be one of the fastest sprinters in the world last year, placing extra pressure on the pocket rocket in 2023.
The 23-year-old was unable to retain his sprint and keirin national titles last year, losing them to Matthew Glaetzer.
The nitty-gritty of #TrackNats23. Your guide to which national championships will be won in #Brisbane next week and when.
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Glaetzer will not defend his titles this week, leaving the door wide open for Richardson to take back his place at the top of Australian sprinting.
“I think 2023 is going to be interesting because it’s almost less about the results and more about collecting enough points to go to the Olympics," Richardson told SBS Sport, who will be streaming all five evening sessions on SBS On Demand.
“Everyone wants to do well but success in 2023, to teams and individuals, is qualifying for the Olympics or being in a position where you’re looking really good to qualify.
“I’ll look to go to Brisbane for TrackNats and Oceania and try to win both of those, that will be a good points collection.
“I love racing Nationals, winning the National title is something really special and I’ve never won Oceania individual sprint before so that will be a big one for me to tick off the list.”
Seven-time national champion Chloe Moran (SA) will be the favourite in the elite women’s endurance national championship contests.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a fruitful 2022, winning a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, carving out a big role in the 2022 UCI Track World Championships squad and winning a race in last season’s UCI Track Champions League.
The 2023 Track Nationals marks the beginning of bigger goals.
“I’m aiming to use this block of racing as good preparation and intensity heading into the next UCI Track Nations Cup in Canada,” Moran said.
“Both Oceania and the Nations Cups are part of the Olympic qualification period this year, so there is extra emphasis on gaining points for Australia at these competitions.
“One of my favourite parts of TrackNats is the tradition of the women’s team pursuit for South Australia.
“I have been part of maybe four or five gold medal rides with a mix of different SA girls and it’s always a good time coming back into the SASI environment and teaming up with the next riders coming through the ranks.
Combining track and road is nothing new, but Warrny winner Sophie Edwards is enjoying the challenge as she looks ahead to #TrackNats23.https://t.co/FKyFTPcBTw
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“In terms of challenges for the week, a bit of a last-minute addition to my program - I’ll be lining up as part of the SA team sprint - which is definitely something I haven’t trained for, but I am always keen to pull on the SA jersey for another race. So, looking for that one to be a bit of fun mixed with a new experience.”
Among the star-studded para-cycling roster taking to Anna Meares Velodrome is Queensland’s Michael Shippley, a bronze medallist at last year’s UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships.
The C5 competitor thrives when pulling on the maroon on his home boards.
“I always look forward to racing in Brisbane the track is electric and so are the times we seem to put down,” Shippley said.
“TrackNats at home is always different in front of a home crowd. It’s always just that little bit more special and it’s one of the rare times that friends and family can come and see the result of all the sacrifices we make to be at the top.
“A successful week for me will be retaining my national title in the C5 men’s time trial.”
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Feature picture: Michael Shippley
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