Kim Cadzow rode the race of her life to claim seventh place in the women’s individual road cycling time trial.
The 22-year-old defied a high-quality field and treacherously wet conditions to place herself among some of cycling’s biggest names.
Wanaka-based Cadzow finished strongly and managed to stay upright – there were any number of spills in the slippery conditions. For a long period she held first position among those who’d finished, but she slipped down a few notches just at the end.
The gold medal went to Australian Grace Henderson, who finished the 32.4km course in 39min 38.24s, more than a minute ahead of Great Britain’s Anna Henderson and American Chloe Dygert, who took silver and bronze.
Cadzow finished 2min 13.43s behind the winner. There were 35 riders in the field.
The New Zealander was still buzzing some time after the race. "I'm super, super proud of my performance," she said. "There were some crazy conditions out there."
Cadzow said she wasn't sure what to expect in Paris.
"I had a few nerves in the morning, especially looking at the weather, but it was great. I love being in the village and the crowds today on the side of the road were fantastic."
In the men's road race, New Zealander Laurence Pithie finished 24th of the 32 riders who finished.
Pithie covered the course in 38min 49.76s, which was 2min 33.60s behind the winner, Belgian Remco Evenpoel.