Cycling: Crash mars World Cup race in Wellington

A nasty crash has soured the women's World Cup cycling race around the inner city streets of Wellington.

Australian Jenny MacPherson is in hospital nursing facial injuries after flying over her handlebars to avoid another cyclist who hit a cat's eye in the road.

MacPherson's teammate Candice Sullivan says the crash has left some nasty injuries.

Sullivan says she has lost several teeth, has a broken nose and will probably need plastic surgery to her face.

MacPherson will spend at least a few days in hospital in Wellington.

The 120-kilometre event went to the wire with Dutchwoman Suzanne de Goede heading off Denmark's Linda Serup.

The pair finished 16 seconds ahead of the peloton.

De Goede says she just had enough to hang on.

She tried to attack on the last lap and, although another rider came with her, she felt strong enough to sprint home.

Cambridge's Melissa Holt was the best placed New Zealander in fifth.

- NEWSTALK ZB