Kiwis solid at Tour of California time trial

Feb 21 Stage 6 ToC. 24km flat out on a bike may not be everyones idea of a good time but the kiwi contingent of Hayden Roulston, Peter Latham, Jeremy Vennell and Glen Chadwick were mixing it up with the best in the world at todays Amgen Tour of California Individual Time Trial. Vennell was the best of the kiwis ending in 17th place over all.

While the key contenders Zabriskie, Rogers and Leipheimer were battling out for positions on the podium the kiwis were giving their all to improve their position on the overall general classification.

Hayden Roulsten left the start gate looking pumped and ready to perform.  His unshaven face testimount to the superstition that exists amongst cyclists that shaving before a race is bad luck.  After a week of racing Roulston now looks like the rugged kiwi he is at heart.

Cervelo Test Team said "Roulston kept his place in the standings with a solid peformance".   Twenty minutes into the thirty minute ride Roulston overtook his minute man (the rider who left one minute ahead) and continued riding strongly to the finish with a ride that enabled him to move up one position overall in the GC.  Roulston now sits at 31st.

Chadwick vs the machine

(c) Ken Conley

Jeremy Vennell, the current New Zealand Time Trial champion put on a great showing finishing 17th in todays stage 1'20" behind the winner.  Wearing the New Zealand national colours, this performance moved Vennell three places up the general classification to 41st position.  

Vennell finished in fine company, with other speedsters Christian Vandevalde, Lance Armstrong, Stuart O'Grady just a few seconds in front, and just beating out Janez Brajkovic and Garmin new comer Svein Tuft.

Peter Latham and Glen Chadwick had solid rides finishing mid field and retaining their positions in the general classification of 47th and 85th respectively.  

Peter Latham finished with the same time as returning champion Floyd Landis whilst Glen Chadwick was faster than the sprinters Thor Hushovd, JJ Haedo and Tom Boonen.

With two stages remaining of the Amgen Tour of California, and Levi Leipheimer securely retaining the yellow jersey with 00:36" lead over Dave Zabriskie (Garmin), the race is shaping up for an exciting finale.

Other articles on the kiwis in the Tour of California.

• Chadwick in epic breakaway
• Kiwis in California Stage 4
• Roulston leads Hushovd to stage victory
• Kiwis race on in Tour of California
• Kiwi riders excel in trying conditions
• Kiwis show off their TT skills
• Roulston leads kiwis in Tour of California
• Vennell in NZ colours in prologue
• Glen Chadwick first rider in Tour of California

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