Former New Zealand rowing star Hamish Bond is heading into uncharted territory at the Road Cycling World Championships in Norway.
The double Olympic champion has made an impressive transition from the boat to the bike, and will line up in the individual time trial on Wednesday night (NZT).
The 31-year-old knows his preparation for the event has been unique.
"I've taken on a lot of responsibility. There's no precedent for what I am doing, no pathway," said Bond.
"At times I get the perception that people think all this has fallen in front of me but everything I have achieved to date in this venture, I have had to figure out how to do it."
Bond will be taking on the best in the world, including Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana winner Chris Froome, and Dutch Giro d’Italia champion Tom Dumoulin.
"The depth in cycling is bigger than rowing, these guys are the crème de la crème of world sport, they'd be held up as some of the best athletes in the world."
Despite his inexperience on the bike, Bond is well placed for a good performance on the streets of Bergen. He’s ridden the course several times, including the gruelling three-kilometre climb at the end.
New Zealand has an 11-strong team at the event, which runs through until September 25.
Newshub.
