Southland riders made a powerful impression at the Omnium and Madison National Championships in Cambridge, with standout performances from Tom Sexton, Marshall Erwood, and Nick Kergozou.
The event, held over two days and backed by Caniwi Capital, featured high-level competition with visiting riders from Japan and France. It was also a key chance for New Zealand’s best to earn UCI points and fine-tune their form ahead of the upcoming international season.
The highlight for Southland came in the men’s Madison, a demanding 40km race where riders compete in pairs. Tom Sexton and Marshall Erwood dominated from start to finish, winning the national title with 57 points. The young and talented Erwood impressed throughout, showing speed and composure under pressure as he linked seamlessly with the experienced Sexton. Their closest rivals, Olympians Keegan Hornblow and George Jackson, managed 41 points in second place, with Watson-Palmer and Keast just one point behind in third.
Erwood also made his mark in the men’s individual events. He took victory in both the elimination and scratch races, confirming his growing presence on the national scene. His consistent efforts across all disciplines reflected his development as a key figure in New Zealand's endurance squad.
Tom Sexton added further depth with a third-place finish in the points race section of the omnium. Although he did not contest the full omnium classification, his racing showed that his track condition is well on track leading into the new season.
Nick Kergozou also featured across the programme, delivering strong support roles in both team and individual events. The seasoned Southland rider, known for his tactical ability and pace, continued to build towards international selection with solid performances across the weekend.
With all three Southlanders playing critical roles, the championships showed the strength and depth of talent in the southern region. Their performances not only earned podium places but also underlined their importance to New Zealand’s wider track cycling ambitions heading into 2026.