Cycling: New Zealander in sight of sprint title for French tour

New Zealand's Joanne Kiesanowski remains on track to win the sprint ace title with a day to race in the prestigious Tour de L'Aude women's cycling race in the south of France.

Kiesanowski had acquired 35 points after yesterday's eighth stage, a 5.6km individual time trial in Port La Nouvelle. It gave her an eight-point advantage on Russian Youlia Martissova going into the final 101km stage. Riding for Italian professional team Nobili Rubinetterie, Kiesanowski built up a points lead through some impressive early riding and is a strong chance to still be wearing the red jersey at the end of the race.

The best performance by a New Zealander yesterday came from Melissa Holt, riding for the Danish SATS professional team, who was 32nd quickest in the 87-strong field. Her time of 7m 59.086s was nearly 40s slower than time trial winner Karin Thurig of Switzerland.

American Amber Neben heads the general classification, with New Zealanders spread through the field. They are Kiesanowski (43rd), Holt (49th) and four members of the New Zealand team - Robyn Wong (51st), Michelle Kiesanowski (57th), Johanna Buick (60th), Tammara Boyd (65th). The New Zealand women's team have climbed to 13th in the team standings.

- NZPA