Caitlin Ward posts career best World Cup sprint performance
In the women’s sprint, Caitlin Ward netted her best World Cup performance finishing eighth.
In her first race at the World Cup level since 2016 after suffering a broken foot and chronic back injuries, Ward opened her account with a competition personal best 11.022seconds in the flying 200m, the eighth fastest on the day.
Ward then took care of Amelia Walsh (CAN) and Jessica Lee (HKG) to move to the quarterfinals where her campaign ended at the hands of hometown hero and Olympic medalist Wai Sze Lee (HKG).
“It was unfortunate to get eighth and come across the top qualifier, but racing Lee is an experience and a half. You’re not going to learn unless you race the best, and she is up there,” said Ward, 24. “I am thrilled with how I performed. It is my best performance ever. I haven’t done close to that time for a long time, I have had injuries coming out of my ears.
A member of the Podium Potential Academy, Ward recognised coach Lynne Munro and the support from the new Cycling Australia program.
“(I am) over the moon with how the Academy has come through, getting to work with Lynne. I think we make a really good team, the people involved are great, I have a great team around me.”