Young NZ cycling team make strong start in Germany

New Zealand cycling team is ninth after the opening team time trial in the prestigious Thuringen Rundfahrt in Germany.

A youthful combination was selected for the tour with three teenagers in the team of Shem Rodger (Cambridge), Aaron Gate (Auckland), Michael Vink (Christchurch), Shane Archbold (Timaru), Jason Christie (Ashburton) and Ruaraidh McLeod (Christchurch).

They clocked a solid 29m12s on the technical and twisty 24km circuit at Bleicherode.

“It was evident that they really wanted to learn and become smoother and faster and having only ridden together once in training, then ninth place was a great ride,” said coach Stu Mcdonald.

The stage was won by the Australian Jayco-Skins team in 27:42 with Team Brandeburg second 28:40.01 and Trek Livestrong, including New Zealand rider Jesse Sergent, third in third in 28:40.

Tomorrow’s second stage is 148km with two categorized climbs.