Kiryienka wins time-trial gold at World Championships

Vasil Kiryienka won his first world title with victory in the men's individual time trial at the Road Cycling World Championships in Richmond, Virginia.

The Belarusian, 34, completed the 53.5km course in one hour two minutes and 29 seconds to beat Italy's Adriano Malori by 9.08secs.

France's Jerome Coppel finished third.

Britain's Steve Cummings finished 14th with Commonwealth champion Alex Dowsett in 17th place.

A top-10 finish for Cummings or Dowsett would have guaranteed Britain a place at next year's Olympic Games in Rio.

Sir Bradley Wiggins, who won gold at the 2014 World Championships, chose not to defend his title as he concentrates on track events.

Kiryienka, who won European Games gold in the men's individual road time trial earlier this year, had finished fourth in each of the last two years at the World Championships.

Result:

1. Vasil Kiryienka (Bel) 1:02:29.45

2. Adriano Malori (Ita) +9.08secs

3. Jerome Coppel (Fra) +26.62

4. Jonathan Castroviejo (Spa) +29.36

5. Tom Dumoulin (Ned) +1:01.51

Selected others:

14. Steve Cummings (GB) +1:58.89

17. Alex Dowsett (GB) +2:06.56