Cycling: Last-placed Hyland thanks parents

6.00pm

ATHENS - Rookie New Zealand cyclist Michelle Hyland felt like dropping out of the Olympic road race on practically every lap around the Acropolis today but her noisy parents would not hear of it.

As the 20-year-old battled up Lycabettus Hill among the stragglers, Maureen and Barry Hyland cleared their throats with gusto.

"I'd hear them every time I went up the hill. They kept shouting 'keep going, keep going!'," Hyland said after she crossed the line in 56th and last place.

The Hamilton-based Gisbornite, who only took up cycling seriously eight months ago, dropped off the peloton in the early stages of a tough 118km trawl through central Athens.

As riders fell by the wayside, Hyland thought about joining them for an early shower to clean off the grime accumulated during a nine-lap journey through the historic centre of Athens.

"I contemplated it (pulling out) every lap. I got dropped on the fourth or fifth lap -- only halfway. It's the toughest race I've done in my life.

"With two laps to go I thought 'bugger it' -- I'm going to finish it. Mum and Dad were out there and they've come all this way."

The former triathlete, who abandoned the multisport event because a shoulder injury hampered her swimming, received a heroe's welcome of sorts when she crossed the line 16 minutes and 19 seconds behind Australian winner Sara Carrigan.

"I'm just glad I finished, I've only been cycling for eight months so I'm still learning.

"I'm happy. I'm probably the youngest in the bunch," said Hyland, who timed three hours 40 minutes 43 seconds.

As expected, Joanne Kiesanowski was the best of the New Zealand trio, finishing 17th, in 3hr 25min 42sec. Melissa Holt withdrew during the sixth lap after suffering from cramp.

Hyland packs her parents off home in a couple of days -- and then the fun and Games begin, she said.

"I can cruise the village and party. I've got a whole list of the events I want to see."

- NZPA