22 Aug 2010

Simpson wins Belgium kermesse bike race

12:25 pm on 22 August 2010

The Commonwealth Games-bound cyclist Myron Simpson scored his first victory in Belgium today, with the young Auckland rider taking out the kermesse (criterium) in Schaffen near Dienst after timing his sprint perfectly in the 17 lap, 136 kilometre event.

He was joined in a 20-strong break by Blenheim's Cameron Karwowski, with the two biding their time as the break was driven by team riders.

The pair moved forward strongly in the final few laps with Simpson in behind the lead-out rider who made his move too early, giving the opportunity for the New Zealander to pounce to claim the victory.

Karwowski also powered out of the final bend to claim third place behind Russian Igor Prolov.