Cycling: Dawkins tops Cup rankings

Eddie Dawkins has emerged as the world's best track sprinter. Photo / NINZ /Dianne Manson

Southland sprinter Eddie Dawkins has been recognised as the world's leading track sprinter after the completion of the UCI track World Cup circuit for 2013-14.

Dawkins gained two fourth placings and a 10th to top the group after the three-round World Cup, with the final event finishing in Guadalajara, Mexico yesterday.

It marked an excellent summer for Dawkins, who emerged as the country's fastest rider after topping qualifiers at the UCI Tier One qualifying event at Invercargill followed by a national record of 9.907 at the Oceania Championship.

He again went under the 10-second barrier to be third fastest in qualifying in Mexico at the weekend, beaten by teammate Sam Webster in the race for the bronze medal.

"Eddie has been the form rider this summer and also showed real consistency at the top level," BikeNZ head coach Dayle Cheatley said.

"He has a key role in the team sprint also and is thriving under our new coach, Anthony Peden."

Olympic medallist Simon van Velthooven has finished third highest overall in World Cup rankings in the 1000m time trial, while Tom Scully and Patrick Bevin were third after their victory in the Madison.

BikeNZ expect to announce an initial squad late this week for next month's world championships, before awaiting final confirmation of quota spots from the UCI.

Top NZ rankings

Sprint: Eddie Dawkins 1, Matt Archibald 9.
Keirin: Simon van Velthooven 5, Dawkins 6.
1000m time trial: Van Velthooven 3.
Team Sprint: New Zealand 5.
Team Pursuit: New Zealand 8.
Points: Tom Scully 4.
Madison: Scully, Patrick Bevin 3.