Dylan Kennett in action at the UCI World Cup in Glasgow.
Photo by Gerry McManus
South Canterbury teenager Dylan Kennett impressed in his
UCI World Cup debut at the weekend, settling for fourth place
in the individual pursuit in Scotland.
Kennett, a former Waitaki Boys' High School pupil, was fourth
fastest in heats of the 4000m individual pursuit in an
excellent time of 4min 28.128sec.
He battled hard in the medal ride against Spain's David
Muntaner Juaneda at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow.
It was the first time the 17-year-old world junior
championship silver medallist had competed over the 4000m
distance in open competition.
Muntaner Juaneda clocked 4min 28.429sec in the medal ride,
while Kennett managed 4min 31.987sec.
"Backing up at this level was the challenge for a young rider
like Dylan. He didn't have the legs in the final and was not
able to get on schedule from start," BikeNZ coach Dayle
Cheatley said.
"He showed good fight in the last kilo and I think he can be
happy with making a final ride in his first world cup and
riding a very solid qualifying effort.
That was the same time Jesse Sergent did in his first
international ride five years ago.
"Dylan is a great kid with big future."
Olympic omnium gold medallist Lasse Norman Hansen (Denmark)
gained the gold medal in 4min 20.875sec with a comfortable
win over Ireland's Martyn Irvine.
Kennett, BikeNZ's only rider at the World Cup, returns home
later in the week before heading to Adelaide for the Oceania
track championships starting on November 28.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.