Games Time: Rotorua's Rendell predicts cycling medals

Mark Rendell gets set for the Commonwealth Games at his Rotorua home. PHOTO BEN FRASER

A former top New Zealand cyclist who knows the taste of victory on the sport's international stage is gearing up as an armchair supporter to cheer on the Kiwi cycling team competing in the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

Champion rider Mark Rendell has stocked up the pantry of his Rotorua home with performance-enhancing coffee and chocolate to get him through what will be the long hours during the middle of the night and early mornings watching TV coverage of the games.

Rendell is the last Kiwi to have won gold in cycling at a Commonwealth Games - taking out the top podium spot at the 1994 games in Canada in the individual road race, and adding a New Zealand team bronze in the team trials discipline.

Mark Rendell's winning moment in 1994. Photo/File

These days Rendell spends more time pedalling property as a salesman with real estate agency Bayleys, although he is still actively involved with Rotorua's mountain biking scene and can be seen riding around the Rotorua lakes district virtually every weekend.

"It's a great way to keep fit and has a very social aspect to it," said the 45-year-old.

"We're incredibly fortunate in Rotorua to be blessed with such varied terrain and routes that allow everything from mountain biking through to long-distances road tours. And the world-class new velodrome is only just up the road in Cambridge for the track riders."

Mr Rendell predicted some long sessions in front of the TV.

"I had a bit of practice watching the daily highlights of the Tour de France over the past couple of weeks, so the body and mind are in pretty good shape for the ride ahead, albeit from the couch," he said.

So who are Rendell's New Zealand medal picks from the Kiwi cycling contingent appearing at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games?

"We've got a very strong representation in my old event, the road race. And even though it is an 'individual' event, watch out for the Kiwi boys to look after each other. There's every chance we could have two on the podium - take your pick from Jack Bauer, Greg Henderson, Jesse Sergeant, Shane Archbold and Tom Scully. That's a very strong contingent.

"I'm also expecting great things from Jesse in the individual time trials ... .

" We've got excellent medal prospects on the pedals of both Simon van Velthooven and Eddie Dawkins who are both competing in the keirin and team sprint disciplines."