Shanks shattered with IP result

Mar 25th, 10.  Alison Shanks handed over her World Champion Individual Pursuit title today, and is shattered to have come away with only a 4th placing.

Alison Shanks in the IP heats. Photo courtesy ©www.britishcycling.org.uk

At the Raboplus NZ Track Nationals last month Shanks delivered two 3:30 times for the 3000m individual pursuit.

She felt on track, consistent, and was looking forward to riding a sub 3:30 in the qualifying heat and backing it up in the final where she hoped to come away with the rainbow jersey once again.

Unfortunately for Shanks, her hopes of a sub 3:30 died as did her chance for another gold medal when her pace dropped on the final lap in the qualifying heats.

Shanks' qualifying time of 3:31.259 was the third fastest where USA's Sarah Hammer, with a blistering time of 3:27.826, was the top qualifier ahead of Great Britain's Wendy Houvenaghel.

Shanks' split times for each of the 1000m were 1:12.385, 1:07.976 and 1:10.898.

After 2000m the Kiwi was the second fastest rider but after the full 3000m, the Otago rider dropped to 3rd.  In the ride-off for bronze Shanks narrowly missed out on the medal against Lithuania's Vilija Sereikaite who she had beaten back in January in the final of the Beijing World Cup.

"Although it is a big disappointment for what she came here to achieve, she has already steeled herself to refocus for the women's team pursuit tomorrow, which is the big goal now and she has a vital role to play there."

The medal winners

Sarah Hammer ©Casey B. Gibson/ USA Cycling

Hammer was the World Champion back in 2006 and 2007 and runner up in 2008.  She signalled her form earlier this season when she won round two of the World Cup in Cali, Colombia.

The American has been preparing for these championships at the World Cycling Center, in Agile, Switzerland.

Hammer's gold medal ride-off companion, Houvenaghel, has also won a World Cup title, she beat Shanks to gold in the first round in Melbourne, Australia.

Jaime Nielson in the heats ©www.britishcycling.org.uk

In the individual pursuit final Hammer took control with another sub 3:30 ride (3:28.601) to win the gold for the USA with Houvenaghel almost four seconds behind.

"Every world title is special, but this one is awesome," said Hammer.

Kiwi Jaime Nielson 7th

The other Kiwi racing the indiviudal pursuit was Jaime Nielsen who produced a highly creditable 3:37.212 to finish 7th fastest in her first ride at a world championships.

The Hamilton rider, first off from the 22 starters in today's qualifying heats, built well after a conservative start and her time was not bettered until late into the competition.

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