After the recent World Cup in Adelaide, most of the field moved on to our national champs to be held on the same track as the world cup.

My goal for the World Cup was to make it on to the podium, and while I did manage to make the top 8 the final didn't quite go to plan. The result made me determined to make the most of my second chance at nationals. I had a good feeling about the racing all day - and maybe I was a bit too relaxed early on in the day through our qualifying heats - but that's certainly much better than blowing your best races early in the day.

I've always been one for getting better as the racing progresses, and today was no exception. By semi-finals time I was amped, and I easily won my semi with the added adrenailne hit. From here, I just badly wanted to win the final. I was maybe a bit over excited by the time the final began. To be honest I was ready to scream at anything that got in my way.

I'm usually a really laid back type come race time, but today I wanted to kill!

I knew i was in probably the best form to take out the race, but I still had to get the job done, which made me feel even more nervous. If I couldn't make it work to my advantage now what chance do I have at the Olympics right? The lane draws came through for the final - Kamekazi drew lane 1 which couldnt get any better for him - I was in lane 5 which was okay. The other major threat Luke Madill drew lane 8, which made things tough for him.

At start time - and with the all important snap from the gate to think about - I had been a bit over excited and hadn't got the best start. I still slotted into second behind Kamekazi who had a blinder of a start. No worries on my part, I felt confident of my second and third straight speed, and sure enough I took over the lead into turn two. From there, Madill had also overtaken Kame, and came right up next to me on the third straight. This was gonna be harder than I thought. By the time we entered the last straight I was just wanting to cross the line but Madill was coming on hard. It's always harder to lead than follow and this race was the ultimate reminder. For me the finish couldn't come soon enough, but I just held on by half a wheel length!

This was my first elite national title and it felt pretty good.

With the Olympic team to be announced in just four weeks I'm very glad to have a solid last two weeks of racing under my belt.

To be honest, this race was very special to me.

I am known for my speed from the start and ability to get to the front early, get the 'holeshot' and then hold on for the win. This time I didn't get the holeshot. But I still had the track speed to get to the front and keep my cool.

Probably the best race I have ridden to this day... very happy!