Christchurch cyclist Riley Crampton produced an outstanding ride to earn the first medal for the New Zealand team at the 2026 UCI Junior Track World Championships in Belgium.
The 17-year-old enjoyed a superb display to win the silver medal in the 40km event, where points are scored every 10 laps, along with bonus points for lapping the field.
It was the first time in over a decade New Zealand has won a medal in the iconic endurance track race, with the last coming in in Korea in 2014 when Regan Gough, the joint most successful kiwi at the junior worlds, won the gold medal.
Crampton impressed in claiming points on five of the 10 sprints, winning four of them as well as lapping the field, closing to within reach of leader Matteo Maggioni (ITA) after winning the penultimate sprint.
The Italian, the only rider to lap the field twice, held on to edge the New Zealand rider by just three points with Frenchman Tom Podevin 11 points back in third.
“The team is so happy for Riley in what was a gutsy ride from start to finish,” said Cycling New Zealand Development Coach Anna Wilkinson.
“Riley went out guns-blazing, winning the first sprint and carrying that confidence and craft through the race. He was active in the front, making moves, taking laps and sprinting for points. “
Crampton was delighted with his effort, which was reward for his preparation.
“All the hard work has paid off,” said Crampton. “The years of sacrifice to do the sport I love and now to get a medal out of it.
“The key to that was all the hard work– the long days and nights, the 6.30am trainings in the cold in Christchurch – the commitment, I guess,” said the Christs College rider.
The championships continue until Monday (NZT).
Junior Men 40km Points: Matteo Maggioni (ITA) 45 points, 1; Riley Crampton (NZL) 42 pts, 2; Tom Podevin (FRA) 31 pts, 3.
Riley Crampton with his silver medal at the UCI Junior Track Cycling World Championships in Belgium (SWpix)