Laurence, Sandy struggle on opening day at Jr Worlds

DEVANTE LAURENCE and Phoebe Sandy failed to advanced to the semi-finals of their respective events at the 2022 International Cycling Junior Junior Track World Championships in Tel Aviv, Israel on Wednesday.

In the junior men’s keirin, Laurence placed sixth in heat four of round one and did not automatically advance to the second round. He was afforded another chance of qualifying through the repechage but finished fifth and was eliminated.

In the junior women’s sprint, Sandy advanced out of the flying 200 metres as the 12th fastest of 16 riders. She clocked 12.123 seconds pedalling at 59.391kmph.

German Clara Schneider (11.269s) advanced with the fastest time followed by Colombian Luna Bula (11.349s) and Korean Chaeyeon Kim (11.394s) respectively.

In the round of 16, New Zealander Emma Stevens bettered Sandy in the lone decisive ride to snag a semi-final spot ahead of TT’s junior worlds debutant.

On Thursday, Laurence begins his sprint qualification campaign. He will be the 12th of 34 cyclists aiming to grab a spot into the second round.

Sandy is also expected to begin the keirin on Friday.