Hanlen and eighth-placed teammate Kate Fluker were never in the hunt for medals in a strong field over the 32km course at Cathkin Braes Country Park.

Canada's Catharine Pendrel cleared away early to win from compatriot Emily Batty with Australia's Rebecca Henderson third.

The Kiwi pair were more than 4min back but both were pleased with their rides on a challenging course in blustery conditions.

Hanlen, 34, was especially pleased to complete the course without pain.

She underwent surgery 10 weeks ago to remedy blocked blood flow in her legs.

The London Olympian and Whakatane mother of two had considered retirement earlier in the year when the cause for ongoing pain couldn't be identified.

She now felt inspired to carry on indefinitely.

"I've had an interesting build-up and just to be representing New Zealand was a big thing," she said.

"When you're stuck in a hospital bed and three weeks off a bike, you kind of get a bit of motivation."

She worked together with her teammate through the middle stages of the race before Fluker had a minor crash.

It was the first major race for Fluker, who only took up the sport seriously four years ago.

Fluker says her chances weren't helped by a relatively flat course and admits she may have been distracted by all the well-meaning messages from afar since arriving in Glasgow.

"If you get freaked out by pressure and the support then I think you're best to turn your phone off a week out."

Source YahooXtra