New Zealand's track cycling campaign has gotten off to a stunning start, with the women's team sprint taking home a silver medal in Paris.
Without a coach just 10 months ago, Shaane Fulton, Rebecca Petch and Ellesse Andrews smashed the New Zealand record and briefly held the world record before Great Britain claimed it back in the final as they rode to gold ahead of the Kiwis.
"The times we did, especially in the first round exceeded … I guess you call it dream territory, it's just such a special moment looking up at the screen and seeing that time," Andrews told 1News.
Andrews' father Jon came onboard as coach less than a year ago and said it was really satisfying seeing their progress.
Finn Butcher in the kayak cross and Ellessee Andrews, Rebecca Petch and Shaane Fulton in the women’s team sprint spoke to 1News after their medal-winning efforts. (Source: 1News)
"They've been through a lot in the last few years as you know and for them to be able to perform in this way is just awesome."
Petch said they were confident coming into the meet and "hoping to do a good time, but silver, it's super special".
Hopes were high it was the start of a strong run at the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Velodrome for the New Zealand squad.
"The New Zealand team has got some really good racing ahead and I think it's super exciting to, yeah, be able to see everyone put their best foot forward and probably come along away with some more medals," Petch said.
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