Team Jersey’s road cyclists got their Gold Coast campaigns under way with challenging outings in the individual time trials on Currumbin Beachfront, with all four Island riders pushed to the max in the Australian sunshine.
Halksworth, who became the first person in Commonwealth history to compete in three different sports at three separate Games, claimed 26th out of 53 finishers with a time of 54 min 12.48 sec, while Rebours remained resilient to clinch 23rd in 53.45.80.
Rebours was unable to take on fluids for the duration of the 38.5 km trial, having lost his bottle off the start ramp when it fell out of its holder.
‘It was a hot day, and I struggled with the heat to be honest,’ said the 21-year-old.
‘They were hard conditions to race in – conditions I wasn’t familiar with – and my mouth was getting so dry. I was a bit cooked by the time I finished.
‘But stuff happens in races, and I’m happy enough. My goal was top 20 and I was only just outside that.’
Despite the significance of his appearance, Halksworth was a little frustrated with his latest display.
‘I’m disappointed with my race after how well training has been going,’ said Halksworth, who competed in swimming in 2006 and triathlon in 2014.
‘I would have preferred a good result today rather than making history, but you don’t always have good days.’
In the women’s time trial, Kim Ashton claimed 15th over 25.5 km with a time of 41.26.07, ahead of team-mate Helen Ralston, who finished 18th in 43.01.12.
Ashton said: ‘I couldn’t have gone any harder, and I think that’s the same for everyone in the team.
‘We gave it our best, and I think we’ll all be happy with the results.
‘The competition was world class. When you look at the medallists – they’re up there at all the world events and even the Olympics.’
Australia claimed gold in both events, through Cameron Meyer and Katrin Garfoot, with riders from England and New Zealand claiming both silvers and bronzes.
The quartet are back for the road races on Friday night/Saturday morning [women 10.45 pm, men 3.30 am UK], with Rebours and Halksworth possibly being joined by mountain bikers Rhys Hidrio and Oliver Lowthorpe.
