WHEN it comes to track cycling this summer, Kalinda Robinson is most definitely a girl on fire.
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In the last two weeks of January, the Bathurst Cycling Club junior and Western Region Academy of Sport squad member took out the under 17s women’s state omnium and the Orange Track Open women’s crown.
On Sunday Robinson began February in just as impressive fashion as she was crowned the Cycling New South Wales under 17 women’s madison champion at Goulburn’s Seiffert Oval.
Robinson was partnered by Parramatta rider Jade Perry in claiming the gold medal.
“It was a massive effort on Kalinda’s part as the girl she was riding with wasn’t as advanced in her riding as what Kalinda is. Kalinda is extremely astute when riding, she knows when the points are there she will take that opportunity,” WRAS coach Marian Renshaw said.
“Basically she’s not afraid to put herself in the hurt box when she does it either.
“I think she put over half a lap into them at the end.”
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Fellow Bathurst Cycling Club and WRAS rider Luke Tuckwell made it a double as he claimed gold in the under 17s men’s event. He rode with Deren Perry, the brother of Robinson’s partner.
The madison format has only been introduced at state and national level for under 17s riders this year.
It sees teams of two compete together, alternating via way of touching hands who is the active cyclist. There are a number of sprint intervals during the race as well as a final dash to the line.
“The madison is quite a skilful ride actually and if you don’t do what they call the handshake correctly, you can find yourself laying on the platform very easily,” Renshaw explained.
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“Kalinda is quite good at it now, Luke that was basically his first one at a state titles or anywhere actually.
“Luke is more a pursuiter, he is not a sprinter. Deren Perry, the boy he rode with is more of a sprinter.
“But Luke certainly kept it going between the sprints, he’s got a fantastic motor, he can just ride at an awesome pace for quite an extended time.”
