China heat takes its toll on Wanganui skaters

The heat took its toll in Eastern China on the Wanganui speed skaters at the World Inline Cup marathon in Suzhou last week.

Veteran Krystine Davies and 16-year-old Rebecca Smith were in the New Zealand X-Tech team organised by South Canterbury coach Bill Begg.

Wanganui club spokesman Ken Smith said there was a field of 74 senior women skaters with a strong Asian representation including last year's 1000m world champion Guo Dan, who lives in Suzhou.

"The defining feature of the race was the climate, with temperatures reaching 42C, forcing the organisers to shorten the race to 30km for the skater's safety."

Many skaters succumbed to heat stroke, and Davies was also forced out when her vision broke up into dots, being unable to carry on with 6km remaining.

Ultimately, of the New Zealand team, Smith was one of only two who finished on the lead lap.

Timaru professional Nicole Begg, who had been training in China, was part of a four-skater breakaway and raced brilliantly to finish second to China's Li Lisha.

Smith gutted it out to come home with the main chasing pack, in 30th place in a mass sprint finish.

"This was a strong performance for the 16-year-old against a field of accomplished international skaters," said Ken Smith.

The pair returned home this week.