Dudley improves in World Cup cycling

New Zealand cyclist Gemma Dudley has finished 20th in the omnium at the first UCI World Cup of the season in Kazakhstan.

The 21-year-old from Levin improved with some solid performances on the second day of competition at the stunning new velodrome in Astana. After lying in last place on the first day she enjoyed three strong rides including fourth place in the scratch race. Dudley was just pipped in the final sprint after two riders had put a lap on the field in the 10km race.

In other second day results, Dudley was 16th in the individual pursuit in 3:50.269 and 17th in the 500m time trial in 38.260.

European points race champion Evgeniya Romanyuta (Russia) took out the omnium with 26 points from Great Britain’s Dani King and China’s Li Huang.

New Zealand will send a full strength team to the next World Cup in Cali, Colombia in December to be selected following this month’s Oceania Championships in Invercargill.

Results, Omnium overall: Evgeniya Romanyuta (RUS) 26 points, 1; Dani King (GBR) 33, 2; Li Huang (CHM) 43, 3. Also: Gemma Dudley (NZL) 93, 20.

Individual results, Dudley: Flying lap 15.257s, 17; 20km Points race 19th; Elimination race 20th; individual pursuit 3:50.269, 16; 10km scratch race 4th; 500m time trial 38.260, 17.