Cycling: Scott Mullaly heads tour home

Scott Mullaly, of Auckland, was the fastest man on the Northland tour. Photo/Ron Burgin

Aucklander Scott Mullaly can say he's the fastest man to tour Northland, at least for this year.

Mullaly took top honours in the BDO Tour of Northland, taking four days to do so.

Mullaly secured his placing in the overall male section after being one of about 500 cyclists to take off on the tour, which started with a 92km first leg from Whangarei to Dargaville on Thursday.

Yesterday Mullaly and the rest of the peleton returned to Whangarei to sign off on what is a massive event for the region.

Joining Mullaly on the winners' podium yesterday was Tauranga's Daniel Molyneux and Auckland's Nick Bain.

In the women's division Rita Trottman, of Christchurch, claimed the win, followed by Hamilton duo Deanne Bell and Genelle Willers.

Event organiser Nathan Cox said the event had proved another success, noting the weather had played its part this time.

"It went really well this year, a good four days of weather [helped] - which we haven't had for a few years, which helps from our point of view.

"[There were] a couple of minor crashes and that, but not too bad considering there's 400-odd riders on the road - otherwise no major dramas."

Cox added that there were also several winners from the age categories, which were in five year gradings.