07.16.08 - Canada’s Ryan Aitcheson 12th in Omnium race at world junior cycling championships

CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Ryan Aitcheson of Kitchener, Ont., finished 12th in the Omnium race on Wednesday at the world junior cycling championships.

In the Omnium the riders compete in five events – the 200-metre flying sprint, a five kilometre scratch race, a two kilometre individual pursuit, a 15 kilometre points race and one kilometre time trial. The combined performances from all five races determines the winner.

The entire competition is held in one day and takes seven hours to complete.

Luke Davidson of Australia, first in three of the five events, won the gold medal. Moreno De Pauw of Belgium was second and Raymond Domene Reyes of Spain was third.

Aitcheson ranked 15th in the flying sprint, 10th in the scratch race, 11th in the individual pursuit and points race and 12th in the time trial.

‘’The points race was the highlight for me,’’ said Aitcheson, 17, competing at his first world juniors. ‘’I got a lap on the field and accelerated really well. This is a tough competition. You’ve got to go all out in all five races. I was happy with my performance. My confidence was up.’’

The Omnium was Aitcheson’s third event this week. He was also 21st in the individual pursuit on Saturday and 20th in the points race on Monday.

Thursday is an off day at the junior worlds. The road races get underway Friday with the men’s and women’s time trials.