Cycling: Bowker replaces Latham after fall in Wanganui

Otago cyclist Richard Bowker replaced Peter Latham in the New Zealand track team that left yesterday for next week's World Cup event in Manchester, England.

Bowker was called up after Latham fell and dislocated his left shoulder in Wanganui on Thursday night during the 40km points race in the Oceania Cycling Championships.

Latham was expected to have the shoulder completely immobilised for two weeks, said team manager Michael Flynn.

While Latham's absence from Manchester set back New Zealand's plans to develop a strong pursuit team for next year's Commonwealth Games, Flynn was looking at the positive side, saying Latham, who has had a busy year internationally and domestically, would benefit from some down-time, albeit enforced.

"He can now organise himself for the Commonwealth Games," Flynn said.

Bowker won a bronze medal in the 15,000m scratch race on Wednesday behind New Zealand internationals Tim Gudsell, gold and Latham, silver.

New Zealand track team for the World Cup event in Manchester:

Women: Catherine Sell, Paddy Walker, Liz Williams.

Men: Marc Ryan, Tim Gudsell, Jason Allen, Hayden Godfrey, Richard Bowker.

- NZPA