WUHAN, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- French cyclists finished one-two to give their nation the first gold medal Saturday from the women's individual time trial at the 7th Military World Games.

Severine Eraud clocked the quickest time of 21 minutes 23.278 seconds, closely followed by teammate Juiette's 21:23.315 over the 15.95km course at East Lake Greenway Road Cycling Venue.

Third place went to Chinese cyclist Liang Hongyu, who was exhausted, but could not stop smiling at being one of her country's first medalists at the Games.

The 28-year-old Chinese, who will greet her birthday on Wednesday, earned herself an early celebration.

She secured the bronze medal on the first medal day of the Games with a time of 21:45.747. The very warm conditions on Saturday is preferred by Liang, who said she tried as hard as she could to be the quickest.

"I am totally exhausted both mentally and physically," she said. "I fought tooth and nail to the finish line. I was eager to get the gold. Of course I would feel better if the medal was gold, but I have tried my best so there is actually nothing to regret.

"I really want to thank my superior in the army for offering me this opportunity."

Liang said the warm conditions on the course were actually to her liking. "The weather was pretty good today, although it is a little bit hotter than yesterday. The temperature suits the riders because cold weather results in muscle problems," said Liang.

"This is my first CISM Military World Games experience and I think it is quite splendid, especially the opening ceremony," she said. "As a soldier, I would feel more proud if I had won the gold medal, but it does not matter because I will strive constantly for the top."