DIANNE MANSON
Hamish Bond on his way to the national 4000m individual pursuit gold medal.
On his way to the title, Bond broke the national national record in morning qualifying with a stunning ride, which was among the top-10 fastest times in history at sea level.
Bond, who has switched his attentions to the track after two years pursuing the time trial on the road, clocked a superb 4:12.436 to top qualifiers, going under the previous national record by a second.
DIANNE MANSON
Kirstie James won the national individual pursuit title by just 14/1000ths of a second.
In the final on Thursday night, he was behind midway through but rallied to win in 4:14.516 over 2017 individual pursuit world champion, Jordan Kerby. Dylan Kennett rode an excellent 4:13.728, a fraction outside his old national record, to claim the bronze medal over Tom Sexton.
READ MORE:
* Bond turns focus to track pursuit
* Bevin 8th, Bond 25th at worlds
* Bond wins CWG time-trial bronze
* Hamish Bond wins NZ time-trial title
* Puncture costs Hamish Bond dearly
“I had to really grit my teeth to get one over Jordan. Being an ex-world champion, he was a really good scalp to beat in a final,” said Bond.
“I always had a really good kick at the end of the race in rowing and it is similar in the pursuit in cycling. In those last few laps you think you are in top gear but there is a secret sixth gear where you shut your eyes and grit your teeth and muscle out a few laps at the end. That was the case tonight.”
In the women’s 3000m individual pursuit, Kirstie James retained her title by just 14/1000ths of a second over teammate Holly Edmondston
James’ winning time of 4:28.311 was a new personal best and broke the national all comers record, with Edmondston a whopping 12 seconds under her previous best in claiming the silver.
“I am really pleased to back it up and go faster in the final. In qualifying I went too hard in the middle section and blew up a little bit. The evening ride was more consistent,” said James.
“I had no idea what Holly was doing. I was just riding to my schedule and that is the fastest ride I could have done.”
Rushlee Buchanan jusgt edged out Bryony Botha for the bronze.
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