I'm not going to lie...this race was a big goal for me. I won it last year and I was dead keen to pull off a repeat. I love Omnium racing. I honestly think I preferred the older six race format, but the new four race format does seem to suit me well. I think the reason for that is the fact that the four races are jammed into one day with minimal rest in-between. The field of twelve was very strong and included Robbie Reid, a previous Masters World medallist in the points race, Sheldon Olivier, who has a bag full of Australian and State medals in Masters track endurance races, Peter Nowill, who finished third last year and actually represented Australia at an Olympic Games in the steeplechase and Matt Locker, who on his day can pursuit as fast as anyone. There were other guys in there who would make things tough as well. I was going to have a hard time with that lot.
Scratch Race
This was 'stupid' fast and the track ended up with riders from one end to the other. I tried a few breakaway attempts but nothing worked. Half the field were there for the final sprint and I unfortunately had to lead out. I think we were all super tired as I took it long and managed to hold on for the win.
Tempo Ronde
I still have a hard time working out exactly how to race these things. They are still a relatively new race where there is a five lap tempo section and then fifteen laps with a 'winner takes all' situation of one point every lap until the end. Just before mid-way I took one of the points and had a small gap. I noticed the riders behind me hesitating so I took off and established a bit of a lead. I managed to stay there for the next six laps, securing seven points overall and enough for the win.
Elimination
The only way I can ride these is near the front, or on the front, riding tempo and keeping myself out of the 'washing machine' that can happen at the back. This strategy worked well and I made it to the final two riders with Robbie Reid. Robbie is quicker than me in a sprint and he took the win pretty easily and I was second. Going into the final event I was leading with Robbie a close second behind. Sheldon Olivier had been consistent all day and was in third.
Points Race
I was worried. I had a slim lead and the only event left was the specialty of the rider in second place. My hope was that my endurance would come through for me as I was going to have a very hard time managing Robbie's speed. There were six sprints to be contested and I knew I had to concentrate, make no errors and score as many points as I could. By halfway through, I had slipped down to second place (riders can see live points on the giant scoreboard at the Anna Meares Velodrome). It was still very close though and not over. In the second last sprint I managed to get three points and Robbie missed out altogether. This gave me a two point lead going into the final sprint (which carried double points of 10, 6, 4, 2). It was anyone's race at that point. I positioned myself well and gave it absolutely full gas at 200 m to go. It was a bit of a blur after that. I was so shattered I was pedalling with my elbows by the time I hit the line, but I managed to win that sprint and the overall title. Happy days! Robbie in second place and Sheldon hanging on for third.
One of my biggest goals of the season and a huge TICK in the box. I have to give some massive kudos to my coach Mark Brady. Two weeks before this race I withdrew from the Australian Masters Road Championships due to illness. Mark had exactly fourteen days to make sure I recovered, not lose any of my power and endurance and try to put a little speed into my legs. Once again his plan came together and I am eternally grateful.
Only two more races to come for me in 2017, then time for a little fun and rest.
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