Jay McCarthy has finished second in the men's time trial to improve Australia's standings in the cycling event. 

"I was feeling confident going into it," he said. "But didn't know how I would go as I am used to longer distances." 

McCarthy finished the three kilometre time trial in 3:59.63 seconds, just three seconds behind the Portugese winner. 

"I am really pleased with how I went," he said.

"My speciality is the road race so today was a bit different." 

McCarthy will have the opportunity to prove his point when he competes in the road race on Sunday. 

"All three guys have to compete in the road race on Sunday.

It is a bit shorter to what I am used to so we shall see how we go." 

McCarthy is confident the Aussies can come back from their poor start in the mountain bike.

"We didn't have a good day yesterday," he said. 

"Hopefully today would have improved our position. We should go well in the next few events with Kirsten and Matt in the BMX on Thursday." 

Frances Cordaro

AOC