Shanks Tops Qualifiers in Beijing World Cup Cycling

World champion cyclist Alison Shanks topped qualifiers in the individual pursuit on the opening day of heats at the UCI World Cup in Beijing.

Shanks cruised through qualifying in a slick 3:34.558 which was more than five seconds quicker than second qualifier Vilija Sereikaite (Lithuania) who will take on the kiwi in the gold medal ride overnight.

The world champion started conservatively but produced a withering 1:09 for the second kilometre and was able to take the foot off the pedal in an impressive effort.

The New Zealand team sprint trio of Eddie Dawkins (Invercargill), Adam Stewart (Christchurch) and Sam Webster (Auckland) were just pipped out of the medal round despite a superb effort.

They clocked 45.104s for the 750m qualifying, more than half a second under their New Zealand record set at the Oceania Championships in Invercargill last November.

The BikeNZ trio were 2/100ths of a second behind Russia who claimed the final spot and will ride against France for the bronze medal, while top qualifiers China (44.192s) will take on Australia (44.524) in the gold medal ride.

Dawkins started conservatively to plan, leading the team to 10th fastest over the first lap, with Stewart picking up the pace with the sixth best second lap and Webster storming home with the third fastest final lap to post their outstanding time.

Southland’s Tom Scully was impressive in winning his heat of the men’s Points Race over 15kms.

The talented young rider won two of the five sprints and was among the 10 riders to put a lap on the field, finished top on 30 points.