Puncture ruins Rohan Dennis’s hopes in time trial at world titles
A MID-RACE puncture ruined Australian cyclist Rohan Dennis’ hopes of a world title in the individual time trial this morning but his sixth-place finish has boosted his confidence ahead of the Rio Olympics.
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A MID-RACE puncture ruined Australian cyclist Rohan Dennis’ hopes of a world title in the individual time trial this morning but his sixth-place finish has boosted his confidence ahead of the Rio Olympics.
The Adelaide 25-year-old was riding in medal contention during the 53.5km race against the clock in Richmond, US, when his rear wheel punctured and he had to stop to swap bikes.
He fought on to finish sixth in a time of 1hr 3mins 36secs which was 1min 8secs slower than the winner Vasil Kiryienka from Belarus, but still nine seconds faster than German three-time world champion Tony Martin.
Despite his disappointment, Dennis remained dignified after the race saying “that’s the way the cookie crumbles”.
“It started pretty well, I went out on my pace and was little bit down after the first two checkpoints but holding steady,” he said.
“With around 25km to go, I was going on the main highway and I got a rear puncture. Bit of a bummer, but it’s sort of the way it goes sometimes.
“I could try to blame that on the reason why I lost, but I wouldn’t have beaten Kiryienka anyway.
“He was on an awesome ride. Now I’m back to the drawing board to work on next year and Rio.”
Australia’s other two starters in the time trial were Michael Hepburn who finished 15th and Luke Durbridge who came in 20th.
The time trial brought to a close a remarkable season for Dennis who started by winning the Tour Down Under in January, broke the world hour record in February and took the Tour de France’s yellow jersey in July.
“It is a bit of an average way to finish but it’s been an exceptional season,” Dennis said.
“I can take a lot of confidence out of what I have achieved. Today would have been the cherry on the top if I could have pulled it off, but my result today doesn’t take away from all that I’ve accomplished.”
The UCI road world championships are set to continue this weekend with the men’s and women's road races.
reece.homfray@news.com.au
Originally published as Puncture ruins Rohan Dennis’s hopes in time trial at world titles
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