New Zealand's world champion cyclist Alison Shanks topped qualifiers in the individual pursuit on the opening day of heats at the World Cup in Beijing.
Shanks cruised through qualifying in a slick time of 3:34.558 which was more than five seconds quicker than second qualifier Vilija Sereikaite who will take on the kiwi in the gold medal ride overnight.
The world champion started conservatively but produced a withering 1:09 for the second kilometre and was able to take the foot off the pedal in an impressive effort.
The New Zealand team sprint trio of Eddie Dawkins (Invercargill), Adam Stewart (Christchurch) and Sam Webster (Auckland) were just pipped out of the medal round despite a superb effort.
The Bike New Zealand trio were 2/100ths of a second behind Russia who claimed the final spot and will ride against France for the bronze medal, while top qualifiers China (44.192s) will take on Australia (44.524) in the gold medal ride.
