Meyer third in third time trial

By Gregor Brown in Varese, Italy

Australia's Cameron Meyer, in only his third official time trial, impressively captured a bronze medal in the Under 23 UCI World Championships. The Perth youngster finished with a time of 42:40 on the 33.55-kilometre course around Varese, Italy.

"I was happy with the result I got," said Meyer. "It is very hard to get a medal at the World Championships."

Meyer's first time trial was at the 2006 UCI World Championships as a junior, with his second coming earlier this year as part of a stage race.

The rider thought the medal would slip out of his hands during yesterday's race. He held the provisional top spot for 30 minutes and the silver medal for another half-hour, until Italy's Adriano Malori came to the line with the top time.

"It was nervous sitting there," he said. "It got to the final 10 riders and I was still in first. I was hoping I would not finish in fourth. I finished fourth in the Olympic Games points race, and I did not want that again. I was really exited to hang on."

Meyer referred to three-time UCI World Time Trial Champion and compatriot Michael Rogers as a beacon for his career. He hopes to be making waves in the professional ranks over the coming years.

"Michael is a great role model," he said. "I would love to be professional on the road and produce great results. I would like to progress like him. It is where I would like to be in a couple of year's time."