MacKinnon aims higher

Canada's Cam MacKinnon of posted a12th place finish in the men's keirin Saturday at a track cycling World Cup competition in Los Angeles in his keirin debut at the World Cup level. The rider from Calgary has previously raced other sprint events at World Cups. He was a member of the bronze-medal winning Canadian team sprint team at the Pan American Track Championships.

After qualifying fifth in his first qualifying heat, MacKinnon moved on to the repecharge where a win let him advance. In the second round, he needed a top-three finish in his heat to qualify for the final round. He took fifth for 12th overall.

"It was a big step for me to compete in this event on the World Cup," said MacKinnon. "For the first time out, I think it's a good result. I just wanted to do my best. I liked the way I finished the race but I know I can do better. I'm motivated to improve and to be more competitive."

MacKinnon qualified 22nd in the men's sprint on Sunday with a time of 10.62 seconds.