Kiwis claim third medal at cycling world champs

Marc Ryan. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand have picked up their third medal at the track cycling world championships in Colombia after Marc Ryan claimed bronze in the individual pursuit.

The 31-year-old also won bronze yesterday in the team pursuit on a day highlighted by the gold won by Ethan Mitchell, Sam Webster and Eddie Dawkins in the team sprint.

Ryan qualified third fastest in the individual pursuit and always led against Ireland's Ryan Mullen. he jumped out to an early 1.3 second lead before Mullen pulled it back to within 0.2 seconds before Ryan increased the lead again in the final stages.

He clocked 4:22.895 for the 4000m, finishing nearly two seconds ahead of Mullen.

Ryan's medal highlighted an otherwise disappointing day for the Kiwis.

Simon van Velthooven went into the keirin as one of the favourites after his bronze medal at the London Olympics. He won his heat but was then disqualified early in his second-round ride for overlapping the pace motorbike.

Dawkins failed to progress to the second round after being troubled with a mild groin strain.

"Eddie was sore this morning and felt fit to ride in the heats but was plainly affected,'' BikeNZ head coach Dayle Cheatley said. ``He is being treated by our medical staff who will assess the situation over the next 24 hours but right now we expect Eddie will be fit for the individual sprint in two days' time.''

Dylan Kennett was seventh in the 15km scratch race but wasn't really in contention for a medal after three riders put a lap on the rest of the field.