Former Northlander Ben Johnston has enjoyed his second taste of success on local roads in recent months.
Johnston, above, won the 110km Fred Ogle Memorial Ride in November and tasted victory again yesterday in Stage One of the BDO Tour of Northland.
Johnston won the 92.58km Twin Coast Trail stage from Whangarei to Dargaville in 2.07.47, four seconds clear of Stephen Lewthwaite (Counties Manukau).
The tour passed through Kamo, before connecting with Mangakahia Rd, and then Tangowahine Valley Rd and State Highway 14, through to Dargaville. Stage Two - the 84km Kauri Bush Trail - takes riders through to the Hokianga Harbour, while Stage Three - the Coast to Coast Flyer - will see competitors cycle from Opononi to Paihia. The tour's final stage - the Coastal Challenge - will see riders depart Russell and finish at the ASB Stadium, Whangarei on Sunday.
