Cycling: Crash ends hopes of Kiwi cycle win

HAMILTON - Leading New Zealand hope Susy Pryde crashed out of contention in the Women's Street Skills Cycle classic on the opening day yesterday.

United States-based Pryde started the four-day 410km tour as one of the favourites, in a field that has attracted 11 of the world's top 25 riders.

Pryde, 25, was floored in front of 200 children when a rider hooked under her handlebars 10m after the first stage finish.

To compound her problems Pryde was struck in the lower back when Canada's Leigh Hobson ploughed into her.

Pryde suffered extensive grazing and cuts down her side, but of most concern was a deep gash to her right index finger, which medical staff considered too deep to stitch.

Pryde was still optimistic of racing in the World Cup race on Sunday in Hamilton, even though the cut finger would make braking and changing gear difficult.

Hobson and Britain's Yvonne McGregor suffered less serious injuries but are also out of the tour.

It was a sad end for Pryde, considered a strong prospect following the late withdrawal of world champion Diana Ziliute, from Lithuania.

German Hanka Kupfernagel, the world No 2, led the tour by four seconds from Australian Anna Wilson after two heady rides.

Sensing some of her rivals were content for an easy ride after a tough week's racing in Australia, Kupfernagel broke away on the second lap of three of the Dinsdale Heights circuit.

Kupfernagel won the stage by seven seconds from Wilson and Italy's Sara Felloni.
The 84.6km second stage from Dinsdale to the Hamilton suburb of Deanwell via Pirongia was a mundane affair decided by a mass bunch sprint.

Kupfernagel decided against contesting the sprint because of the associated danger so the battle came down to a sprint between Dutch rider Mirjam Melchers and Wilson, which Melchers won to take the stage in 2h 19m 33s.

Kupfernagel finished close and takes a four second lead into today's 111.5km third stage. - NZPA