Cycling: Ulmer says she's fit to ride gruelling road race

Sarah Ulmer yesterday declared herself fit to rid in tomorrow's women's road race.

Ulmer's lower back has been under the spotlight - and an MRI scanner - since a compressed nerve forced her late defection from the 29km time trial on Tuesday.

BikeNZ officials are desperate for Ulmer to make the start line tomorrow in the 99km three-hour race as the team seek an elusive gold after an unfulfilling track programme.

Concerns about the 2002 Olympic track pursuit champion seem to have eased although she still requires a final medical clearance.

"We're pretty confident she's going to race. After consulting with the physiotherapist [Paul Holloway] she's looking pretty good to be on deck on Sunday," said BikeNZ women's endurance coach Susy Pryde.

"She's improved over the last few days, she's positive and upbeat.

"Sarah did a good three-hour ride and that's what's pulling us in the direction of her being able to ride.

"All things considered we hope that's an indication that she'll be OK for Sunday."

Ulmer was in imposing form when winning the Wellington leg of the World Cup road circuit on March 5 but was then troubled by a back injury that has plagued her intermittently since the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

She withdrew from the time trial after her warm-up and will be given up to an hour before the start time to team up with Melissa Holt, Jo Kiesanowski, Michelle Hyland, Toni Bradshaw and Susie Wood. Were Ulmer ruled out she would be replaced by Tammy Boyd.

Pryde was under no illusion about the impact Ulmer would have on the New Zealand riders, and their rivals, despite the fact her reputation guaranteed she would be heavily marked.

"She's an intimidating rider to the other countries. Even just having her line up throws the other teams into disarray knowing her power, strength and her ability to perform at any time.

"Her presence makes such a difference to the way the [New Zealanders] ride. We know she's capable of making an early break and getting a result."

Holt, second in last month's Tour of Geelong, and Kiesanowski, fourth in the points race, are contenders to spearhead the New Zealand challenge if Ulmer struggled.

- NZPA