Gold medallist Jessie Banks waits for the start in her race at the Elite and U19 Track Cycling National Championships held in Invercargill. Photo suppliedLocal cyclist Jessie Banks has been flying at the recent Elite and U19 Track Cycling National Championships.

After four previous trips to national championships, her first attempt at the U19 level has yielded success. Banks claimed one gold, one bronze and two fourth placed finishes.

Riding in the red of the Canterbury team, she finished fourth in the match sprints and in the team sprint.

Banks also claimed a bronze medal in the elite women’s category of racing, as a member of the team that placed third in the team pursuit.

The biggest prize of the championship for Banks however came in the U19 women’s keirin, where she finished first place and claimed the gold medal.

She said she was very happy with the result as her goal heading in to the event was a top five finish.

Banks said her coach Terry Gyde was a big help in her winning the race.

“Strategy is a very important part of the race and he really helped me suss out how I was going to ride on the day,” she said.

Track training and racing had been a heavy part of Banks’ twice-daily training routine for the championships.

Banks’ focus will now turn to the age group track national championships and elite and U19 omnium championships being held in Cambridge during the middle of March.

By Jaime Pitt-MacKay © The Ashburton Guardian - 8 February 2017