Rotorua downhill mountain biker Lachlan Stevens-McNab has delivered one of New Zealand’s best elite world championship performances, finishing runner-up at the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Italy.

The 22-year-old rider, competing for Trek Unbroken, finished second in the elite men’s downhill final at Val di Sole, missing the coveted rainbow jersey by less than a second, a media release from Cycling New Zealand said.

Canada’s Jackson Goldstone secured back-to-back world titles, edging Stevens-McNab by 0.695sec on the demanding 2.4km Black Snake course.

The result makes Stevens-McNab just the second New Zealand elite men’s rider to stand on a world championship downhill podium, following Sam Blenkinsop’s third-place finish 15 years ago.

After posting a blistering time of 3:29.480, the Rotorua rider sat atop the hot seat as the remaining contenders completed their runs.

Britain’s Jordan Williams came close but had to settle for bronze, while Goldstone produced the decisive run to snatch victory.

“It is pretty special. World champs are the most important race of the year. It is a one-off and who can do it on the day,” Stevens-McNab said.

“We came pretty close today so it is a little bitter-sweet but I am chuffed.”

The silver medal capped a remarkable comeback after an injury-hit season.

Lachlan Stevens-McNab, in black, on the podium. Photo / SWPix

“It has been a hard year with injuries. I’m chuffed to put a good one down today on a ruthless track and be right up there and hang that silver medal in my home,” he said.

The Rotorua rider said lessons learned from a crash while leading qualifying at the World Cup in Andorra helped shape his approach in Italy.

“I took a step back and ride like I know I can ride, instead of pushing too hard. Pushing too hard today could have caught you out,” he said.

New Zealand’s men’s contingent also impressed, with Christchurch rider Luke Wayman finishing a career-best 11th, Kaikōura teenager Oli Clark placing 20th and Rotorua’s Tuhoto-Ariki Pene coming 23rd.

There was further success for the New Zealand team earlier in the day, with Queenstown teenager Indy Deavoll claiming bronze in the under-23 women’s downhill competition. The result continued a strong season for the 18-year-old, who sits fifth overall in the World Cup standings.

Eliana Hulsebosch in action. Photo / SWPix

Bay of Plenty riders also featured strongly in the elite women’s race. Tauranga’s Eliana Hulsebosch finished fifth after leading for a period from the hot seat, and Rotorua’s Kate Hastings placed eighth.

The championships conclude with the cross-country events.

Downhill results:

Under-23 Women: Rosa Jensen (NOR) 4:05.581, 1; Tilly Boadle (AUS) at 3.237s, 2; Indy Deavoll (NZL) at 11.307, 3. Also NZers: Capella Martin at 14.432s, 8.

Under-23 Men: Raoul Schneeberger (SUI)3:47.477, 1; Felix Griffiths (GBR) at 0.45s, 2; Filippo Gilardino (ITA) at 1.180s, 3. Also NZ riders: Malik Boatwright (Queenstown) 13, Dexter Lock (New Plymouth) 15, Seppy Binsbergen (New Plymouth) 49, Sterline Stevens-McNab (Rotorua) 53, Jonty Williamson (Palmerston North) dns.

Elite Women: Valentia Holl (AUT) 4:01.558, 1; Lisa Baumann (SUI)at 1.728, 2; Harriet Harnden (GBR) at 2.046, 3. Also NZers: Eliana Hulsebosch at 5.067, 5; Kate Hastings at 6.574, 8; Sacha Earnest 13.875, 14; Jess Blewitt dnf.

Elite Men: Jackson Goldstone (CAN) 3:28.785, 1; Lachlan Stevens-McNab (NZL) at 0.695s, 2; Jordan Williams (GBR) at 0.702, 3. Also NZers: Luke Wayman at 5.120s, 11; Oli Clark at 7.225s, 20; Tuhoto-Ariki Pene at 8.132, 23; James Macdermid at 11.764, 36.