Cyclist Steph McKenzie looks to the future - Stuff.co.nz
New Zealand track cyclist Steph McKenzie was already focusing on the future after her surprising fourth-placed finish at the Commonwealth Games today. The Auckland-raised Southland representative lowered her own personal best by half a second and broke the New Zealand 500m time trial record in the process - all despite being a late inclusion in the team for Glasgow. ''[The] time was a little bit [quicker] than I expected so I was pretty chuffed to see the time up on the board, but fourth - you've got to settle with a PB, but a dirty fourth - you want to come back a wee bit hungrier,'' McKenzie, who led the standings with two heats to go, said. ''I've definitely improved and I think it's really good to see the coaches with a smile on their faces. I'm really trying to keep women's sprinting alive in New Zealand. I think I've done a good job, there's more to come.'' The more to come could be the return of a women's team sprint combination, something which hasn't featured in the New Zealand programme since Natasha Hansen and Katie Schofield were unable to qualify for the London Olympics. McKenzie, who has managed to balance her cycling career with life as a diabetic, is eager to reform her partnership with Southland teammate Natasha Hansen at international level. ''We are looking at trying to get a team sprint together for worlds, so that's our next thing. Hopefully there will be another [woman] with me.''
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