Rowing star Hamish Bond has continued his remarkable transition from the boat to the bike, after being named in the New Zealand team for the UCI Road Championships in Norway later this year.
The 31-year old decided to give cycling a crack after the second of his Olympic gold medals in the men’s pair last year, and has impressed with his strong performances in the time-trial.
Bond finished runner-up to Jack Bauer at the national champs, before heading to the UK to race and train with a time-trial specific coaching group.
His strong form has been rewarded with a call-up to the national team for the time-trial, alongside climbing star George Bennett.
“We have been so impressed with the performances and the attitude from Hamish in his switch to cycling. It is very clear to us why he has achieved so much because has left no stone unturned in his preparation including a lot of work on the course,” said Cycling New Zealand Chief Executive, Andrew Matheson.
Bennett has decided to focus solely on the time-trial, as the hilly course suits him better than the flatter road race.
The 13-strong team for the world champs includes 2017 Tour de France participants Bauer, Patrick Bevin and Dion Smith.
A strong women’s team has also been announced, featuring Linda Villumsen, who was the world champion of the individual time trial in 2015. She’ll feature in the road race alongside Orica-Scott’s Georgia Williams, and she’s joined in the time-trial by Jaime Nielsen.
The weeklong world championships will be held in Bergen, Norway from 16-24 September.
The team is:
Elite Men, road race: Jack Bauer (Quick Step-Floors, Takaka), Patrick Bevin (Cannondale-Drapac, Taupo), Dion Smith (Wanty Group Gobert, Auckland).
Reserves: Sam Bewley (Orica-Scott, Rotorua), Aaron Gate (Aqua Blue Sport, Auckland).
Time Trial: George Bennett (Lotto NL-Jumbo, Nelson), Hamish Bond (Cambridge). Reserve: Patrick Bevin
Elite Women, Road Race: Linda Villumsen (Team VeloCONCEPT, Christchurch), Georgia Williams (Orica-Scott, Auckland).
Time Trial: Linda Villumsen, Jaime Nielsen (Cambridge).
U23 Men, Road Race: Regan Gough (An Post-Chain Reaction, Hawkes Bay), Sam Dobbs (Attaque Team Gusto, Cambridge), Luke Mudgway (RTS Monton Racing, Hawkes Bay).
Time Trial: Regan Gough
Junior Men, Road race and time trial: Oscar Elworthy (Barfoot & Thompson Cycling New Zealand Performance Hub, Auckland), Ben Hamilton (Barfoot & Thompson Cycling New Zealand Performance Hub, Auckland).
