Prudence Fowler on the podium. Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
Prudence Fowler has claimed the first medal for the Cycling New Zealand team in her debut at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Santiago, Chile.
The 22-year-old Auckland rider kept within touch of the lead over the closing stages before a superb final dash to the line to grab third place.
The young Kiwi rider rode near the pace throughout the 10km race, and went with a lead group to chase down a break four laps from the finish.
Dutch rider Lorena Wiebes came from mid-pack on her way to defending her rainbow jersey ahead of Denmark's Amalie Dideriksen with Fowler passing two riders in the final dash for the bronze.
Fowler said it was an exciting race to be a part of.
"I was not expecting to do any bunch racing but was thrown in the deep end. I felt super comfortable, and just enjoying it. The sprint started pretty early and I managed to hold on for dear life," Fowler said.
Earlier the New Zealand men's team pursuit qualified fourth fastest in the 4000m timed event, which put them into the first round ride-off against top qualifier Denmark for a place in the gold medal final.
The ride-off was close until the final 1000m when the Danes turned up the lead to win in 3:45.786 to be clear of the kiwi quartet of Tom Sexton, Marshall Erwood, Keegan Hornblow and Nic Kergozou.
Australia won their first-round clash over Great Britain to earn a spot in the final against the Danes, while New Zealand will take on USA for the bronze medal on Friday.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
