Dutch Team Loses Cyclist, Wins Trial

An unheralded team from the Netherlands lost a rider on the third of four laps but bettered second-place Italy’s time by more than a minute in the 100-kilometer time trial Thursday at the World Cycling Championships.

The loss of a rider off a four-man team usually is devastating in the race against the clock. But Tom Cordes, Gerrit de Vries and John Talen finished in 2:00:10, offsetting the loss of Rob Harmeling. Italy was second in 2:01:48, East Germany third in 2:02:47. Two-time defending champion Soviet Union was fifth in 2:04:13.

“Our team started Feb. 4, and the team was together always since then racing in stage races,” Dutch Coach Andre Voskamp said. “Our last race was the Coors (earlier this month). A lot of people said that schedule was too heavy for young cyclists, but this is the result.”

With three road events remaining, East Germany leads with nine medals--three golds, three silvers and three bronzes.

Cycling takes another break today before the men’s professional road race Saturday. The women and amateur men will be on the road Sunday.