Buchanan finally finds top gear after four years

Four years ago Rushlee Buchanan won the national women’s road race on the streets and hills of Cashmere, setting herself up for a big year and selection on the New Zealand team for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

The versatile Te Awamutu cyclist is hoping for a similar scenario this year, having snared her second national road title with a brilliant victory on the same course in Christchurch on Saturday.

It was an emotional win – Buchanan admitting she hadn’t really ‘‘ been at my best’’ since that win four years ago.

‘‘ I’m on a new team this year ( United Healthcare in the United States) and with the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this year as well, it means a lot.

‘‘ I actually won

the

nationals

in 2010 when Delhi was on, maybe I just go good every four years, which is fine.’’

The 25- year- old London Olympian and 2010 track world championship medallist was part of a three- person break early in the eight- lap, 120km race. But while initial leader Lauren Ellis and then Friday’s time- trial champion Jaime Nielsen eventually fell off the pace, Buchanan stayed firm at the front.

That was until the final few kilometres, when five- times world time- trial championship medallist Linda Villumsen switched her legs into overdrive, catching Buchanan with the finish line almost in sight. It appeared to be a beautifully timed burst from Villumsen but Buchanan wasn’t done just yet.

Despite six tough climbs up Dyers Pass Rd and setting the pace all day, she somehow found enough gas in the tank to surge past Villumsen.