Bond won the senior men’s time trial at the national age-group championships in Cambridge yesterday.
After finishing third in the elite national time trial in January, Bond claimed the 25.4km senior time trial in 31min 50sec, 30sec clear of road racing team-mate and former United States-based professional Michael Torckler, of Stratford.
Bond, who was born in and grew up in Dunedin, was pleased with his performance, which he rates his best in his handful of time trials this year.
"It was a better performance in terms of my power output and my splits. I didn’t fade at all which was pleasing," Bond said.
"I am learning what I am capable of and just trying to keep improving and see where it gets me.
"Today was certainly over roads I am familiar with. There was a healthy head wind on the way out but you had to light a few candles going out because I knew everyone would be fast coming back."
Bond is heading to the United Kingdom next month to join the AeroCoach club which specialises in time trialling.
"It will give me more experience and, hopefully, I keep improving and see what I can do. I am realistic that at some stage there will be a blip on the road, but I will give it all I have. I really enjoy the time trial. It suits me."
The senior women’s race was won by Hannah Van Kampen, of Hawke’s Bay.
She clocked 37min 57sec to hold off the challenge from outstanding West Coast rider Sharlotte Lucas by 16sec with Kerri-anne Page third.
Van Kampen was the sighted pilot for visually impaired para-cyclist Amanda Cameron at the Rio Olympics.
The result surprised the young rider.
"I certainly was not expecting that at all and I’m really stoked. I’ve won some under-19 and under-23 titles but this is my first senior win," van Kampen said.
"There was some wind into us on the way out but it was really fast coming back which is how I like it."
Van Kampen has been enjoying time training in the sun in Hawke’s Bay on her own over the summer but is looking forward to getting back on the tandem with Cameron after they finished fourth in the pursuit at Rio.
"The tandem is the focus again now for me now. I went away from it but have now returned and loving it."
