Teesside student, Harry Tanfield, claimed a sensational Commonwealth Games silver medal earlier this morning in the road cycling time trial on Australia’s Gold Coast.
Harry, 23, finished 30.26 seconds behind gold medal winner, Australia’s Cameron Meyer, to earn a stunning silver medal for Team England at Currumbin Beachfront.
Hamish Bond, a double Olympic gold medallist in rowing before switching to cycling, took bronze.
He adds to his family’s success at the games after his brother, Charlie, won gold in the individual pursuit and silver in the team pursuit on the track last week.
Tanfield told BBC Sport: “I had a good couple of days out here before riding the course and getting to know it. I hadn’t done a 40 minute (time trial) effort since last year. I took a lot of ice with me and I had good legs on the day – so I’m pretty happy.
“To be fair, I didn’t even consider applying for the Commonwealth Games, and I’m pretty glad I did now. The parents have been chilling in the café watching the racing – my Dad’s sunburnt already, but it’s good for them, they’re enjoying it!”
What a ride from @Harrytanfield94 to claim????
Awesome stuff Harry, congrats! ????????#TeamAndCountry #TeamEngland #gc2018cyclingroad pic.twitter.com/AA9qVk6wBo
— Team England (@TeamEngland) April 10, 2018
Tanfield, who studies mechanical engineering, led the race after pipping previous leader Hamish Bond by a mere 2.15 seconds. He seemed as surprised as anyone when a Team England employee told him he was leading the race.
Harry’s lead did not last long however. Before he had chance to take his place on the leaders chair, Cameron Meyer had comfortably beaten his time.
Race favourite, Callum Scotson, finished just off the podium in fourth place after he suffered a mechanical issue early in his ride which resulted in him losing valuable time.
Full results and split times can be found here.
Harry can now look forward to Saturday’s road race, where he will be tasked with helping Adam Blythe’s quest for a gold medal.
Tanfield is a member of the University’s elite athlete student scheme along with gold medal winner, Jade Jones-Hall.
The scheme provides the athletes with state-of-the-art equipment and help with training.
For more on Teesside University’s Elite Athlete Student Scheme, stay tuned to The Undergrad next week for a closer look.
CONGRATULATIONS HARRY!!!
Freelance Sports Journalist. Teesside University Graduate
