Cycling: Van Velthooven back with Rio in his sights

Track cyclist Simon van Velthooven. Photo / Greg Bowker

Olympic medallist Simon van Velthooven has cut short his competitive sojourn in Japan to line up in the first Rio 2016 qualifying event in Cambridge starting today.

The Manawatu rider, who has been competing in the prestigious Japan Keirin League, was initially not expected to be available for the Avanti BikeNZ Cup competition, a three-day UCI-sanctioned competition which is the first opportunity to earn qualifying points for the Rio Olympics.

However, the London Olympic bronze medallist wants to now focus his attentions back home, based with the rest of the high-performance squad at the Avantidrome.

With his Japan racing experience behind him, van Velthooven believes it's time to knuckle down to key training at the centralised base in Cambridge.

"This facility is outstanding. While I have enjoyed the travelling, the racing and the whole experience in Japan, it is now time to get serious about Rio," van Velthooven said. "We are so fortunate to have this amazing facility here and I know the Australians will be envious when they see it this week."

The Avanti BikeNZ Cup and BikeNZ Classic is a three-day competition with sprint and keirin competition, the omnium and also bunch racing involving riders from Australia, Malaysia, US and Canada.

Most of the Glasgow medallists will be in action to take on the international competition, as well as press claims for next month's Oceania Championships in Adelaide.

While the riders enjoyed record success at the Commonwealth Games, BikeNZ High Performance director Mark Elliott said the focus has quickly shifted.

"This event is the first stepping stone, which will determine selection to what will be an important Oceania Championship next month, and performances there lead to the World Championships and ultimately to Rio."

The three-day meet also comprises endurance racing throughout with points, scratch and Madison competition.