Cyclist Perkins set on taking a chance

AAP - The next few years will show if Australian track cyclist Shane Perkins really has learnt his hard lessons.

But the signs so far are promising.
Relishing life as a first-time dad and boasting an impressive turn of speed, the
21-year-old is through to the sprint semi-finals on the final day of the Melbourne
round of the World Cup series.
The ongoing overhaul of the national track program after the Beijing Olympics means
the opportunities will be there for Perkins and he is determined to grasp them.
"At some point we've all got to grow up and it's happened for me now," Perkins said.
"It's been an attitude thing - I guess realising my potential is there and if I try
to pursue it the best I can, then what can I get out of it?
"That's what I'm trying to see at the moment."
Perkins lost his national scholarship because of an alcohol-related incident and,
rightly or wrongly, he gained a reputation.
Certainly two-time Olympic gold medallist Ryan Bayley made his dislike for Perkins
clear earlier this year after they had an eventful sprint competition at the
national titles.
There was an extra dimension to their rivalry, because Bayley's sister Kristine is
now married to Perkins.
Kristine and Perkins have a young baby boy, Aidan.
Perkins, a two-time junior world champion, credits Kristine and Aidan for being
major factors in the determination to fulfill his potential.
After finishing fourth in Friday night's keirin final, Perkins qualified
second-fastest in the sprint behind Michael D'Almeida.
Perkins will contest a one sprint semi-final against much-improved compatriot Jason
Niblett and D'Almeida has an all-French semi against Francois Pervis.
Malaysian Azizulhasni Awang beat Pervis in the third and deciding heat of their
quarter-final, but was relegated for not holding his line.
"We meet each other in the semis, which is a bit unfortunate, it would have been
nice to get in the final and gold and silver for Australia," Perkins said of
Niblett.
"But that's the way things work out - Jason has definitely stepped up a level in the
last couple of months, he's going really well.
"He's hit good form here, it's great."
In other day-three afternoon action, Australia qualified second-fastest in the
women's teams pursuit and will race Great Britain in the final.
The two teams have health issues - Australian Josephine Tomic is suffering from a
virus and British rider Elizabeth Armistead has stitches in her arm after a crash
during competition on Friday.
Australians Kerrie Meares, Emily Rosemond and Kaarle McCulloch are through to round
two of the keirin after finishing second in their heats.