Sheppard ninth in mountain biking

Sam Sheppard placed ninth in the women’s mountain biking at the Commonwealth Games today.

The Australia-based Sheppard, 27, finished in 1h 23min 46s. Englishwoman Anne Last won the gold medal with an effort of 1h 18min 02s.

Sheppard ran into trouble on the first descent, when she punctured.

“I did what I could, but the field was classy,” she said. “I’m devastated I didn’t get a result for New Zealand, but have to thank everyone for their support.”

There were 12 starters.