Shanks backs up her pursuit performance

Feb 13th, 10.  Alison Shanks backed up her NZ record in the heats of the individual pursuit with another fine 3:30 performance to win gold in last night's final.

Shanks shares her joy of winning ©RoadCycling.co.nz

In the last half lap Shanks caught and passed Ellis but still managed to get another fantastic time.

"It was really pleasing to back it up again. Two 3:30 performances in one day - you've got to be pretty happy with that," said Shanks who is focused 100% on her next defence – that of her World Champion title in Copenhagen in six week's time.

"This time last year I was knocking on 3:33 to 3:32, to be able to do two of them [3:30 rides] really indicates the form is there." 

Shanks said pursuiting isn't about one good ride, it's about backing it up.

"You've got to put everything down in that first ride to make the finals then once you are there you have to be able to put yourself out again."

"It's so invaluable to be able to have race simulation like this leading in to the World Champs, it really does give me great confidence going forward."

Earlier, Auckland's Kaytee Boyd proved two week's focused training has paid off when she claimed the bronze medal in 3:40.910 over national road champion Rushlee Buchanan (Te Awamutu).

Boyd puts lessons into action ©RoadCycling.co.nz

Boyd has been working hard with coach Brendon Cameron (Sarah Ulmer's partner) to break her pursuit down, learning pace judgement and setting goal targets for each lap to ensure she's still got the energy needed at the end of the race.

"I've learned so much over the last two weeks [working with Cameron]. At the moment it feels like for the first time I'm just getting the hang of it. It's great," she said.

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