3rd in the world for Kiwi battler Rachel Larner

Larner on the podium of her qualifying event in Perth ©Daniel Carson

Sep 10th, 11.  Her worst fear came true in the opening moments of the time trial of the UCI World Cycling Tour final in Belgium today, but NZ's Rachel Larner did not give up - she won the bronze medal.

The UCI World Cycling Tour is a new initiative for 2011 and replaces the UCI World Masters Games. Unlike the World Masters, the new event is open to all age categories - but only to those amateur riders who qualify.

In each of seven events around the world, the top 10% of each age group automatically qualified for the final, and the chance to earn the rainbow ringed jersey of the world champion.

42 year old Larner won both the time trial and the road race events in her age group in the Perth competition back in April.

With five months between her qualifying event and the final, Larner did everything she could to prepare to be at her best this weekend.

She arrived in Belgium a few weeks ago to put the finishing touches on her preparation - and was very glad she did.

She found it difficult to find the road course, and the time trial route had been changed.

"I did the right thing getting here a couple of weeks early. I love the courses now because I know them so well," the super positive Kiwi shared.

After today's 20km time trial event, Larner told RoadCycling.co.nz her worst nightmare had come true.

In extremely wet conditions, the decision was made to continue with the ramp start on to a narrow bike path.  It was Larner's first ever time starting a TT from a ramp and her nerves proved well founded.

"My worst nightmare - I slide sideways and came off it! Very unglamorous and it cost me dearly! I picked myself up and hightailed it out of there. I wasn't the only one this happened to which made me feel slightly better, but no second chances. So onwards and upwards," she said.

Larner's never give up attitude proved invaluable and a little later Larner found out she had the 3rd best time - she had won the bronze medal!

"Wow. I actually ended up with the bronze medaI. I thought I had completely blown it. It just goes to show it is worth not giving up!" said the Auckland based rider who only began competitive cycling within the last five years. 

On Sunday, Larner faces a very difficult 107km course, with challenging climbs of the Côte de la Haute Levée, Côte du Rosier, Côte d'Aisomont, and the legendary Côte de Stockeu - the same roads as the classics race Liege Bastogne Liege.

She is ready! 

Other Kiwis at the UCI World Cycling Tour final

• Richard Justice, 55-59 Men's TT - 6th  (also racing the road race)
• Ben Wooliscroft - 45-39 Men, racing the road race only

Also, Jane Moraz, 45-49 Women's TT - SILVER. Moraz is noted as a Kiwi in the TT results, but Swiss for the RR start list. If you know she is a Kiwi please join the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .