3 Jun 2013

New Zealand cyclists clock up three big wins

4:15 pm on 3 June 2013

Three of New Zealand's top cyclists won their respective events as their 2016 Rio Olympic campaign began in Europe.

London Olympic medallist Simon van Velthooven had a commanding win in the final of the men's keirin on the second day of the UCI tier one international track event in Spain.

Both he and Sunday's sprint winner Dawkins qualified for the major final after dominant displays.

Dawkins led out strongly until he was rounded up by teammate van Velthooven on the last turn with the Manawatu rider going on to win.

The teenage cycling star Dylan Kennett went into the second day of the omnium on the track at Valencia in second place.

He drew level with Spaniard Sebastian Mora after the scratch race, and claimed the overall honours in the six-discipline event after winning the 1000m time trial.

In Belgium the BikeNZ men's track endurance team produced a strong team effort at the Philippe Coningsloo Memorial, the highest category UCI amateur event.

Michael Vink crossed the line first in the 185 kilometres road race.