New Zealand road cyclists off pace in U23 time trial

New Zealand’s Olympic track cyclists Wes Gough and Jesse Sergent finished out of the major placings in the time trial at the UCI World Road Championships in Switzerland today.

Gough (Waipukurau) and Sergent (Feilding) placed 23rd and 34th respectively in the men’s under-23 time trial over 33.2km – two laps of the circuit at Menrisio.

Australia’s Jack Bobridge proved the class of the field, winning in 40:44.79 and he was ahead at every time check throughout the race. The talented Australian will ride with Julian Dean’s Garmin Slipstream pro team next year.

Gough produced a solid performance to be 23rd in 42:43.35, pacing himself solidly throughout.

Sergent’s chances were thwarted when he punctured after 3km. He lost more than 40 seconds in changing his wheel and then pushed too hard in his attempt to make up time.

“The guys were both disappointed overall,” said BikeNZ’s Performance Programme Manger, Andy Reid.

“Jesse still put in a solid ride, particularly on the second lap when he had recovered from going too hard post puncture and got his head straightened out.

“Wes looked very smooth to catch the rider in front of him and continued to ride strongly although up the climb on the second lap the Australian caught him up again.

“Both guys rode strongly but we are all disappointed in the final outcome, no more so than the boys themselves. They both have the advantage of being able to ride in this age group again next year.”

US-based Jeremy Vennell (Hawkes Bay), the national time trial champion, competes in the elite men’s race tomorrow.

The road races are on Sunday (under 23 men and elite women) with elite men on Monday, NZ time.

The BikeNZ team had hoped a strong showing with the course, predicted to be fast with slight uphill and downhill sections, expected to suit the track specialists.

Results:

UCI Road World Championships, time trial, under 23 men, 34.4km:

Jack Bobridge (AUS) 40:44.79, 1; Nelson Oliveira (POR) 41:03.52, 2; Parick Gretsch (GER) 41:12.65, 3. New Zealanders: Wes Gough 42:43.35, 34; Jesse Sergent 43:27.85, 34.