The 17-year-old Cantabrian looks destined for a bright future after a stellar showing at the UCI junior track cycling world championships in Frankfurt (Oder) on the Germany-Poland border.

Chucking in cross-country running for cycling four years ago was a wise move for Laurence Pithie.

With two gold medals draped around his neck and wearing his first-place rainbow jersey, Pithie couldn't wipe the smile from his face as he touched down in Christchurch on Wednesday.

Greeted to a stirring haka from his Christchurch Boys' High schoolmates, he was still coming to terms with first place finishes in the omnium (which features four events over one day) and the madison (two-rider relay event) with Taupo's Kiaan Watts.

"It's a massive step forward for me. I'm so excited I was able to do it for New Zealand and also get on the podium with my team-mates." Click here for the whole article.