ACOG - News - IBM

(22 July 1996; Day 03)

Australia and United States Expected to Dominate Track Cycling

In the past, the French have dominated track cycling at international events with Germany and Italy coming in a close second and third, respectively. At the Centennial Olympic Games, look for the Australians to dominate, with the United States making an exceedingly better showing than in past competitions with the aid of a new rule change that allows professional cyclists to compete. Germany and Australia have consistently held medals in the men's team competition in past Olympic Games.

Although the French team has top-notch coach Daniel MORELON, a five-time Olympic medalist, on its side, the United States has two-time Olympian Erin HARTWELL, who is sure to win a gold medal as long as he holds off Florian ROUSSEAU (FRA) and Shane KELLY (AUS). Watch the United States' top sprint cyclist, Marty NOTHSTEIN, and Australia's Darryn HILL battle for the gold in the men's match sprint with Gary NEIWAND (AUS) and Curt HARNETT (CAN) close on their heels.

Women are relatively new to track cycling competition and have only been competing since 1988. The 1996 Games will mark the first time women will compete in their own points race. The race will be similar to the men's point race except that it will be 24k long rather than 40k.

One of the first women to compete in the sport, two-time gold medalist, Erika SALUMAE (EST) will go for the gold again this year and then retire after the 1996 Games. Rebecca TWIGGS (USA), the 1992 bronze medalist in individual pursuit, is the favorite in the 1996 Games women's individual pursuit. Female track cyclists should also look out for Australia's Kathy WATT, a two-time Olympic medalist in track cycling while four-time world champion Connie PARASKEVIN-YOUNG (USA) and Felicia BALLANGER (FRA) are expected to battle for the gold in the women's match sprint.

Track cycling competition begins on 24 July at Stone Mountain Park with finals on 28 July.

This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Victoria St. Martin.


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