Cycling: Kiwis off the pace at World Champs

New Zealand's Olympic track cyclists Wes Gough and Jesse Sergent finished out of the major placings in the time trial at the 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 outclassed the field, winning in 40 minutes 44.79 seconds 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 42min 43.35sec, 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," BikeNZ performance programme manger Andy Reid said.

"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 (Hawke's Bay), the national time trial champion, competes in the elite men's race tomorrow.

- NZPA