21/02/2011 - New Zealand cycling's reputation for producing tough riders has gown another leg at the UCI World Cup in Manchester.
Invercargill 21-year-old Eddie Dawkins was brought down in a heavy crash while challenging for a medal in the final of the men's keirin, won by Beijing triple gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy.
Dawkins was among the other five riders who came down in a serious crash. Although suffering massive burns from the track, Dawkins got up to run across the line with his bike to secure fifth place before collapsing.
"We got to Eddie with a medical attendant," BikeNZ Head Coach Tim Carswell said. "The medic rushed to Eddie and asked him if he was hurt.
"Eddie replied that he was from New Zealand." The medic, fearing a head injury, said to Dawkins that he did not want to know where he was from, but if he was hurt.
"I heard you. I'm from New Zealand and we don't feel pain," Dawkins replied.
Story courtesy of The Southland Times