New Zealand has won gold and silver medals in the men's mountain bike competition at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Anton Cooper takes gold and Sam Gaze silver in the 2014 Commonwealth Games mountain biking. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Christchurch's Anton Cooper won the gold and Tokoroa's Sam Gaze picked up the silver - the first medals for New Zealand men in mountain biking.
The pair had been in the lead group of four for much of the race which also included an Australian and a Canadian.
Cooper controlled the race from the front and put in a sprint finish just before the finish line to grab the win from Gaze with Australian Dan McConnell third.
Anton Cooper and Sam Gaze on their way to gold and silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Cooper won the junior world title in 2012 and currently rides for an under-23 pro team on the world circuit.
Over the last couple of years he's suffered from injuries and sickness that have hindered his push for higher honours.
The 19-year-old said before the race that beating McConnell, who is ranked in the top five in the world, would be difficult.
18-year-old Sam Gaze is the national champion.
Karen Hanlon was sixth in the women's race and Kate Fluker was eighth, the event won by Canadian Catharine Pendrel.
