Cycling: Linda Villumsen claims sixth in time trial at world championships

Linda Villumsen. Photo / Getty

An impressive performance has not been enough for New Zealand cyclist Linda Villumsen to add to her array of world championship time trial medals.

The six-time medalist in the women's individual time trial came up short of the podium this morning, finishing in sixth on the rainy Norwegian course.

It was a very respectable ride by Villumsen, who was installed as eighth favourite by the bookmakers, and managed to outperform several big-name contenders who left the gates after her.

The result continues a world championships where Villumsen has looked strong without the reward of a medal, following a team time trial where she was the strongest rider on a team plauged by bad luck, claiming a fifth place finish.

Her time trial showing was extremely consistent, clocking in seventh through the opening time check, improving to fifth after navigating the course's sole climb, and settling for sixth at the line.

The 32-year-old, who has one gold, two silvers and three bronzes in the format, eventually crossed the line 55.73 seconds behind Dutch winner Annemiek Van Vleuten, and 37 seconds outside of a podium place.

Villumsen will have one further chance to put in a strong performance when she competes alongside fellow Kiwi Georgia Williams in the women's road race on Sunday morning.

Also in action overnight were Team Skoda and Cycling New Zealand Performance Hub duo Ben Hamilton and Oscar Elworthy in the men's junior individual time trial.

Both riders controlled their tempo well on the 21.1 kilometre course, with Hamilton finishing 35th in the 78 man field, and Elworthy claiming 26th.

Elworthy finished one minute and 20 seconds behind the winner, Great Britain's Thomas Pidcock, while Hamilton was a further 24 seconds back.

Both riders will return to action on Saturday in the junior road race.