CYCLING: Scott Law (NSW) claimed his second national omnium title in six years, while in the women's event, junior world champion Danielle McKinnirey (SA) clinched gold in her debut in the elite category.
2011 winner Law regained his omnium national title with an exciting performance to narrowly defeat Oceania Champion Sam Welsford (WA), with Jackson Law (NSW) rounding out the podium.
"I'm super proud," Law said. "I can't believe it! It's been a while since I've been able to don the green and gold in the omnium
"Overall I'm proud of how I went and super proud of my brother Jackson as well, we both rode really strong and don't think we gave each other any room to move."
Temperatures reaching over 40 degrees on both days of racing added an extra complexity to the racing. "It was pretty tough out there. I don't think we have ever raced in heat like that.
"It was a whole other level this week. It was definitely some of the toughest conditions I have ever raced in."
Law opened his account with a win in the scratch race and took a second win in the third event, the elimination race.
Two second places in the time trial and flying lap left him with an eight point advantage over closest rival Welsford (WA) A head of the all important final event, the points race where he sealed his win.
"I had sort of been prepping for this event the past few months. This has been the main focus for me since the ITS Adelaide in May.
"I think it all sort of paid off there. I had a few ups and downs especially the pursuit. I was hoping for a bit better time but had to make the most of it and play my cards right but it paid off.
The Omnium National Championships start a busy period for Law on both the track and road in January.
"I'll hopefully have a bit of an easy week before heading to the Victorian Christmas carnivals and spend a bit of time with family. Before a bit of a training camp ahead of Road Nationals, where I'll be racing the criterium with the NSW track team."
Women
Reigning junior omnium world champion Danielle McKinnirey (SA) claimed an exiting win over Elissa Wundersitz (WA) in a nail biting finish that went down to the final sprint.
"Getting the win is a really good feeling, especially as I wasn't expecting it going in to the points race as I thought Elissa Wundersitz or any of the other riders could have taken it out," McKinnirey said.
Having claimed two junior world titles the past two years McKinnirey it was her first opportunity to race an elite national championship.
"It is a good feeling stepping up to elite. It is good knowing all the hard work is paying off," explained McKinnirey who claimed the junior world title in August."
McKinnirey started the points race with a two-point advantage over Wundersitz, with the pair jostling for the lead throughout the scratch race.
Heading towards the final sprint McKinnirey had a four-point advantage over Wundersitz. "In the end it came down to the last lap as Moss was on the attack trying to lap the field and then Elissa who was second going for points to try and get gold. It was really hectic in the end."
Queensland's Quinn Cramer took bronze.
From here McKinnirey is looking towards the National Championships. "I'll think I'll be chasing personal bests mostly and hopefully a bigger field to test myself against."
Cycling Australia
