Paris Olympics: Kiwi Ellesse Andrews returns from injury to win gold at Nations Cup track cycling meet

New Zealand's Ellesse Andrews has completed a triumphant return from injury, winning gold in the women's keirin at the Nations Cup track cycling meet in Milton, Canada.  

Andrews, 24, followed up her silver medal in the women's sprint on Sunday with victory in her specialist keirin, winning the six-rider final. The race was very similar to last year's world championships in Glasgow where she also claimed gold.  

It was her first major meet since breaking her collarbone in a fall during the year's opening Nations Cup event, in Adelaide in February.

There was some concern Andrews' place at the Paris Olympics could be in doubt but she has recovered in good time and showcased her power in both events in Milton. 

She also qualified for the sprint final, where she was beaten twice by French woman Mathilde Gros.  

Andrews faced a strong field in the kierin final but paced her three-lap journey well, tucked in behind Dutch leader Hetty van de Wouw at the bell for the final lap.  

The Wanaka rider then powered to the front and used strength to hold the field at bay, with Steffie van der Peet of the Netherlands second and Canada's Lauriane Genest third.  

Andrews told the host broadcaster she was delighted with her form.  

"It's a long way to travel but it's better than going to Europe so I'm super happy with the outcome," she said, before outlining her plans in the lead-up to the Olympics.  

"I'm heading home tomorrow and just getting in some really solid training for three months. I head over to Europe in July and then over to Paris then."

Last year Andrews became the first New Zealand rider to win an individual gold medal in a sprint discipline at a world championships.  

It followed her silver medal in the same event at the Tokyo Olympics and her trio of gold medals won at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

RNZ