Villumsen Creates History for New Zealand Cycling

New Zealand cyclist Linda Villumsen created history around the streets of Geelong near Melbourne today to secure the first ever elite medal by a kiwi in the UCI World Road Cycling Championships.

The 25 year old took bronze in the elite women’s time trial after powering through the 22.9 km course in a time of 33:04.24 to finish behind Emma Pooley (GBR) and Judith Arndt (GER).

Villumsen won the same medal last year when she represented Denmark. This is her first international appearance representing New Zealand after gaining citizenship late last year.

“I had lots of support out on the course. People were yelling my name, others were yelling “go kiwi! It was great to win a medal for New Zealand,” Villumsen said.

“It doesn't really feel that different from last year. A bronze medal is nice in red colours (Denmark) and black colours (New Zealand), but to be honest I'm proud this year to be representing my new country.

“It was a hard ride. I lost my rhythm on two steep climbs and so I had to work really hard to regain it.”

Villumsen narrowly missed out on the silver medal by 6/10ths of a second to her fellow HTC-Columbia teammate Ardnt, with Pooley winning in 32:48.44.

It also moves Villumsen into strong medal contention for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, where the flat course will suit the strong riding Aucklander.

"I have not had such a good season this year and I have not done much time trials so today was a good result. I think my best chance in Delhi will be in the time trial. Today has definitely helped with my confidence going to the Commonwealth Games.”

Fellow Commonwealth Games-bound kiwi Mellissa Holt (Cambridge) finished 16th from 38 starters in 34:53.83.

The only other medal New Zealand has won at the world road championship was a bronze to Peter Latham in under 23 men’s time trial in 2005.

Earlier Cambridge rider Shem Rodger finished in a highly creditable 21st in the under-23 time trial with Christchurch’s Michael Vink 28th in his first year in this grade won by brilliant American Taylor Phinney, the world individual pursuit champion.

Tomorrow’s elite men’s time trial sees Gordon McCauley and Jack Bauer, both national road champions represent New Zealand. The UCI Road Cycling World Championship continues until Sunday.

Results, time trial:
Elite women, 22.9km: Emma Pooley (GBR) 32:48:44, 1; Judith Arndt 33:04.01, 2; Linda Villumsen (NZL) 33:48.63, 3. Also: Melissa Holt (NZL) 34:53.83, 16.

Under-23, 31.6km: Taylor Phinney (USA) 42:50.29, 1; Luke Durbridge (AUS) 42:52.19, 2; Marcel Kittel (GER) 43:14.30, 3. Also: Shem Rodger (NZL) 45:37.82, 23; Michael Vink (NZL) 46:03:11, 28.

Image: Villumsen is pictured right with winner Emma Pooley (GBR) and Judith Arndt (GER).

Credit: Graham Watson.