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Bike change, crash hold-up prove costly for Kiwi road racers

August 5, 2024

A botched bike change and then a crash involving other riders that held them up proved costly for Kiwi riders in the women's cycling road race this morning.

Niamh Fisher-Black was riding in the chasing peloton nearly half way into the gruelling endurance race when she stuck her hand up into the air after noticing an issue with her bike.

Her support vehicle caught up with her and initially brought out a new back wheel for a tyre change.

Fisher-Black waved it away and requested a whole new bike which was quickly offered to her and she set off again.

However, moments later Fisher-Black raised her hand again signalling the new bike wasn't up to scratch.

"Gears aren’t changing, she is not happy," one of the race commentators said.

"This is a huge mistake like I said, the mechanics have so much pressure on them."

Her support car then caught up and a mechanic leaned out the window and appear to change the bike's rear battery which saw Fisher-Black able to continue.

Later on there was a crash that further blocked Fisher-Black and her teammate Kim Cadzow's progress.

After the race she said she was "quite angry really" after her race today was interrupted by mechanical issues and a crash which saw the peloton fall far behind the leaders.

"I think a lot of people will be disappointed, there were a lot of big names stuck behind the crash."

US rider Kristen Faulkner went on to win the race in a big upset over more fancied European riders, she only got into the race after a teammate gave up her spot.

Vos from the Netherlands claimed silver and Kopecky from Belgium was in third following a photo finish.

Kiwis Niamh Fisher-Black and Kim Cadzow came in 31st and 56th place respectively.

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