Cycling New Zealand hand-cyclist Rory Mead produced an impressive performance in blazing hot conditions to finish fourth in the road race at the UCI Para-Cycling Road World Championships in Alabama, USA on day three.
The Kiwi rider went clear in a four-strong group that includes the hand-cycling powerhouse pair of Florian Jouanny (FRAZ) and Luca Mazzone (ITA) – both multi world and Paralympic champions – and American Cody Wills.
The quartet remained together through two laps before Jouanny and Mazzone increased the pace to push clear, with the Frenchman ultimately winning in a photo-finish. The American was able to edge away from the New Zealand rider on final lap of the 55km race with Mead settling for an impressive fourth placing in 1:32:58, with an average speed of 37kph.
Nicole Murray finished in the bunch behind the podium placegetters in the women’s C5 road race on the final day of the Championships today. The blazing heat again made for tough conditions on the open course for the 5-lap 70km road race.
Poland’s Anna Harkowska prevailed in a three-up sprint finish, with Murray finished in the 10-strong bunch that finished 2m39s behind the leading trio.
Mead in action in Huntsville (SWpix)