23 January 2010

World champion Alison Shanks comfortably took out the gold medal in the individual pursuit on the opening night of finals at the UCI World Cup in Beijing.

Shanks dominated the final over Lithuania's Vilija Sereikaite, clocking 3:33.360 which is her third fastest time ever on the track built for the 2008 Olympics. The Dunedin rider averaged over 50 kph in a well controlled performance.

The result moves Shanks to second overall on the world cup standings as she prepares to defend her title at the world championships in Copenhagen in March.

Outstanding Southland prospect Tom Scully was also in the medals, claiming bronze in the final of the men's points race.  He rode aggressively in the 30km final, part of a seven-strong break that put a lap on the field.

Canada's Zachery Bell took out the final when he lapped the field, with the New Zealander finishing strongly to grab third. He won two of the last four sprints and was second in the final dash to grab his bronze medal. Earlier he won his heat.

They were the only New Zealand finalists on the opening day after the team sprint was fifth in qualifying, although Auckland's Rosie McCall, riding under the Auckland-based GIS trade team, won a heat of the women's scratch race and finished 23^rd in the final.

New Zealanders in action on the second day include Shane Archbold, Myron Simpson, Aaron Gate and Hayden Godfrey in the men's team pursuit, Simon Van Velthooven in the keirin and Godfrey in the scratch race.

UCI World Cup, Beijing, day 1 finals:

3000m women's individual pursuit: Alison Shanks (NZL) 3:33.360, 1; Vilija Sereikaite (LTU) 3:41.679, 2; Tara Witten (CAN) 3:40.365, 3.

Men's Points Race (30kms): Zachery Bell (CAN) 50 points, 1; Ho Ting Kwok (HKG) 38, 2; Tom Scully (NZL) 36, 3.

Women's Scratch Race: Vera Koedooder (NED) 1; Ausrine Trebaite (LTU) 2, Evgeniya Romanyuta (RUS) 3. Rosie McCall (GIS - NZL) 23.

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