Kiwi cyclist caught up in huge crash
New Zealand’s Racquel Sheath was part of a massive crash on the penultimate lap of the women’s scratch race at the UCI track cycling world championships in Poland.
The 24-year-old Morrinsville rider was well placed in the peloton as the riders picked up speed for the sprint finish, but Danish rider Amalie Dideriksen crashed in front of her and it resulted in about 10 other riders coming off their bikes, falling like dominoes.
‘‘We were lucky that Racquel Sheath was not seriously injured in a nasty crash with several riders. She will be able to race later in the week,’’ high performance director Martin Barras said.
The race was won by Elinor Barker, of Britain, but it was another low point in a disappointing opening day for New Zealand.
The New Zealand men’s sprint team went out in the first round as the trio of Ethan Mitchell, Sam Webster and Eddie Dawkins suffered a shock loss to Russia after setting the third fastest time in qualifying.
The Russians eventually picked up the bronze medal, while the Netherlands claimed gold and France took silver.
‘‘Qualifying in the team sprint was good although still with improvements [needed] in execution,’’ Barras said.
However, Dawkins has been suffering from illness over the last few days and he spent all his energy in that first ride and had a tough time backing up. ‘‘Accordingly, we could not get the same level of execution that we had seen earlier in the season.’’
It was also a disappointing day for New Zealand in the men’s team pursuit, as the Kiwis went out early and won’t get to race for a medal.
The New Zealand team of Corbin Strong, Thomas Sexton, Aaron Gate and Nicholas Kergozou completed the 4km course in 4min 5.861sec and was the slowest of the eight nations in the first round.
‘‘With some inexperienced riders in the men’s pursuit, we probably qualified more strongly that we expected,’’ Barras said.
‘‘But we were unable to back up that ride in the evening against a very powerful Australian team.’’
Olivia Podmore and Ellesse Andrews were the 15th quickest of 17 teams in qualifying in the women’s team sprint.
However, Rushlee Buchanan, Bryony Botha, Holly Edmonston and Kirstie James were the third fastest in qualifying for the women’s team pursuit.