The New Zealand cyclist Joanne Kiesanowski has finished eighth in the women's elite road race at the UCI World Championships in Italy.
The Team Tibco professional was prominent in the sprint from the peloton after the five leading riders broke away with one lap to go in the 140km race in Varese.
Kiesanowski missed the final break but pushed up in the final sprint in the 27-strong peloton to grab her best finish at a world championship.
The winner, Nicole Cooke from Wales, has capped a stellar season following her gold medal at the Beijing Olympic road race.
Auckland's Kaytee Boyd debuted in the world road race championship, finishing 21st in the peloton.
Fellow mountain biker, Rosara Joseph from Wellington, has finished 69th after fulfilling a support role during the eight-lap race.
The world championships finish with the men's road race tomorrow with Julian Dean and Glen Chadwick heading the New Zealand charge in the 260km race.
Earlier in the week Greg Henderson withdrew after not recovering sufficiently from illness.
