Meet Southland's latest world track cycling champion
“I started off as the slow one in a corporate pursuit team having not done much exercise at all for the previous decade. But I really enjoyed the speed of sprinting on the velodrome and got hooked.”
Southland masters cyclist Ruth Whelan has returned home a world champion.
Whelan has taken out the 500m time trial title for women 45-49 at the Masters Track Cycling World Championships in Manchester.
In doing so she set a new national record in the process.
It was a brilliant result for the multiple national champion at what was her first outing at the Masters World Championships.
“I’m totally stoked to win gold in the 500m time trial (women’s 45-49 age group). I’ve focused on training consistently both at the track and in the gym over this year working towards it, so I’m really pleased that the hard work paid off.
“I thought I could produce a competitive time but there were a number of fast women competing which was a bit daunting.
She managed to find the edge on the day to set a new PB of 37.064s and take the world champion jersey just ahead of Sonja Moi of Norway.
It was a special moment for who got into track cycling eight years ago when she moved from the UK to Invercargill.
“I started off as the slow one in a corporate pursuit team having not done much exercise at all for the previous decade. But I really enjoyed the speed of sprinting on the velodrome and got hooked.”
“I would really like to thank all the coaches and volunteers that put so much time into the sport and I’d really encourage other masters riders to give it a go.”
To add to the gold medal in Manchester, Whelan also took part in the individual sprints and claimed the silver medal in the 45-49 age group.
“The last day was a heavy day of racing with five match sprints but it was great to go up against some great sprinters and have fun on the track.”
To add to that Whelan picked up a bronze in the 45-54 team sprint with Julie Graddon and Penny Pawson.
They also set a new New Zealand best time of 55.469s.