2 Oct 2010

NZers down in world championship time trial

6:20 am on 2 October 2010

A dropped chain proved costly for New Zealand cyclist Gordon McCauley at the World Road Cycling Championships in Geelong.

The 38-year-old finished 39th in the 46-kilometre elite men's time trial after losing nearly a minute when his chain came off.

McCauley, the national time trial champion, was the oldest rider in the field and overall was satisfied with his efforts with preparations aimed more at the flat course for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Team-mate Jack Bauer, who flew in to Melbourne only two days ago after answering an SOS when Jeremy Vennell withdrew with illness, managed a satisfying 23rd place.

He was just over four minutes down on winner Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland who made history as the first to win the elite men's time trial four times, finishing more than a minute clear of his nearest rival.