The star Devonport rider paired with Sunshine Coast teammate Kristina Clonan to claim the women’s title at Cycling Australia’s Madison National Championships. 

Stewart struggled to hide her emotions after the win.

“It is so exciting and such a massive honour – a bit of a relief,” Stewart said.

“We really had thought we were in with a chance tonight. We have been riding really well together.”

Stewart’s doubts had been seriously tested as one of three teams to fall during the first sprint on Saturday night.

But the 22-year-old was quickly on the bike, as the team regained control by the halfway mark of the 120-lap race at Hisense Arena. 

The reigning Oceania champions would go on to provide a brilliant tactical display of cycling against one of the strongest fields ever assembled at the titles.

The gold-medal winners finished on 45 points ahead of South Australians Annette Edmondson and Alex Manly (34), with New South Wales pair Ashlee Ankudinoff and Josie Talbot (24) in third.

Stewart said that having confidence in one another to fight their way back was critical to their partnership.

“And I think that is what it is about – knowing what each other is going to do and being able to read each other,” Stewart said.

“Just the competition out there with the other teams – they are world class teams

“It is a huge honour to win an Aussie Madison title.

“It is never an easy one."