July 29, 2004 (Carson, Calif.) – Day two of the 2004 UCI Junior Track World Championships began this morning with the first round of the men’s individual pursuit and qualifying heats of the men’s keirin and women’s individual pursuit.

With no Americans making it through to the first round of the pursuit, the attention was turned to the Australian pair of Miles Olman and Michael Ford. The duo from down under clocked the two fastest qualifying times yesterday and looked to be on their way to an all-Australian final. Of the eight riders that advanced to the first round, the winner from each of this morning’s four heats would qualify to ride in the medal rounds this evening. In the opening race, Ivan Kovalev (RUS) advanced to tonight’s bronze medal round with a win over Alexandru Pliuschin (MDA) with a time of 3:26.768. Facing Kovalev this evening will be Patrick Gretsch (GER), who beat Matthew Haydock (NZL) with a winning time of 3:25.326.

Ford, who currently holds the world record, easily advanced to the gold medal match with a time of 3:21.599 over South Africa’s Kyle Swain. Sascha Damrow (GER) prevented the Australians from facing each other for the world title tonight with an upset over Olman, posting a time of 3:23.197 and moving on to face Ford for the rainbow jersey this evening.

In men’s keirin qualifying, Team USA’s Ryan Nelman won the fourth and final heat to move on to tonight’s second round. In the third heat, American Ben Barczewski placed fourth, avoiding a crash that claimed three riders on the opening lap, a result that would send him to the repechage rounds. In the repechage rounds, where the winner of each heat moves on to the second round, Barczewski placed second behind Kang Dong Jin (KOR) and was eliminated from competition.

In the women’s 2km individual pursuit qualifying, Team USA’s Natalie Klemko kicked things off with a time of 2:41.972, a time that would unfortunately place her 14th, eliminating her from tomorrow’s first round.

U.S. National Champion, Kimberly Geist shaved nearly three seconds off her national title time from a month ago to clock a 2:33.448. Her effort placed her fifth amongst the 18 starters and advanced her to the first round. Marlijn Binnendijk (NED) posted the fastest qualifying time of the day, riding a 2:30.244.

Tonight’s session features the second round and finals of the keirin where Nelman will try and secure the first medal of these games for the U.S.

Also on tap is the women’s 500 meter time trial in which Klemko and Tela Crane will represent the U.S.

The men’s individual pursuit finals, which includes no Americans, will also be contested this evening.

Click here for photos from the 2004 UCI Junior Track World Championships: http://209.177.135.180/gallery/

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