Canada's Whitten captures silver at cycling World Cup

Canada's Tara Whitten raced to a silver medal in the omnium Saturday to cap the opening World Cup event of the track cycling season in Australia.

The Edmonton cyclist and current world champion in the discipline captured the silver by winning the individual pursuit, finishing fifth in the scratch and seventh in the time trial on the third and last day of competition.

Whitten finished the gruelling omnium — a series of six races that showcases the best all-around athletes — with 31 points.

Leire Olaberria-Dorronsoro of Spain won the gold medal with 26 points, while Polish cyclist Malgorzata Wojtyra finished third.

Whitten, a former member of Canada's cross-country ski team, is enjoying a standout 2010 season. She captured two world championship titles, five Canadian titles, and four medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India.

Whitten has nine career World Cup podium finishes.

Travis Smith of Calgary was 12th in the men's sprint race while fellow Calgarian Monique Sullivan finished 13th position in the women's keirin.

The next World Cup is Dec. 16-18 in Cali, Colombia.