Cycling: Oram secures top-six finish in under-23 time trial

James Oram.

Young New Zealand professional James Oram has finished an outstanding sixth place in the under-23 time trial at the UCI Road Cycling World Championships in USA today.

The 22 year old from North Harbour was just 37 seconds from winner Mads Schmidt (GER) and only one second off fourth after an excellent performance over the 30km test in his final year in the category.

Oram, who rides for the Axeon Racing team in USA, started conservatively to be 17th fastest through the 7km time check, pushing up to 10th fastest at the midway split and finishing strongly for his sixth place.

However the Kiwi, a former time trial medallist as a junior and 10th in the under-23 race last year, would have liked if the course in downtown Richmond in Virginia had been even tougher.

"It was quite technical with some paved sections and some sharp turns and we rode up the climb that we will face in the road race," Oram said. "But I would have preferred another good climb to be honest to make it tougher.

"I gave it absolutely everything. I've only been able to focus on time trial preparations in the last week since the Tour of Alberta and I was pleased with my effort. There was nothing left in the tank."

Oram said he was looking forward to the road race on Saturday (NZ time), joining up with fellow professionals Dion Smith and Hayden McCormick.

"Dion got to see some of the circuit in the team time trial and Hayden will arrive in today. We've ridden together since the under-17s and know eachother well.

"The road course has smaller laps and is quite tight and technical, which will suit the three of us and we will form a really good team."