COLNE’S Steven Burke recorded a new lifetime best in the kilometre time trial at the Track Cycling World Championships – but he was unable to follow up team pursuit gold with another medal.
Burke was making a rare appearance in the kilo in Melbourne yesterday – just 24 hours after helping Great Britain to a stunning world record in his more favoured event, the team pursuit.
The quartet of Burke, Geraint Thomas, Ed Clancy and Pete Kennaugh posted a time of three minutes 53.295 seconds to clinch the gold medal ahead of hosts Australia, who had been regarded as the form team in the early part of 2012.
But the 24-year-old was not considered as one of the favourites for the kilo and finished 10th overall despite posting a new personal best.
Burke completed the distance in one minute 2.180 seconds to take the early lead in the event.
Many of the more fancied riders posted their times towards the end of the final, however, and some stellar times made it one of the fastest kilometre time trials in history.
German Stefan Nimke took gold in 1:00.082, with Frenchman Michael D’Almeida second in 1:00.509 and New Zealander Simon van Velthooven third in 1:00.543.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here