An embarrassing fall and an official warning failed to stop Kerrie Meares from claiming her third straight national sprint crown at the Australian track cycling championships.

Meares beat South Australian Rosealee Hubbard in straight heats during a fiery encounter to decide the gold and silver medals.

Her victory came after she fell within seconds of starting their first three-lap match-up, forcing a re-start.

"That was rather embarrassing," Meares said.

"I wanted to take the front and I just pushed down really hard on my pedal.

"I was pulling up at the same time and my front wheel came up and my body weight was pushing down on the pedal.

"I tilted my bike and I hit the deck and slid down and fell off in front of the entire crowd."

Meares lost skin from her elbow and leg but returned to her bike to take out the first race in the best-of-three final comfortably in 12.786 seconds.

In their second race, Meares was warned for riding Hubbard off the track during the penultimate lap, prompting officials to order a fresh start.

Meares accepted responsibility and went on to win the race easily in 12.146.

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