Cycling: McCauley takes national title for Counties Manukau

Multiple national champion Gordon McCauley made a rare appearance to win the national club road race title in Hawkes Bay yesterday.

McCauley, riding for Counties Manukau, managed the final sprint to dispose of Wellington's Joseph Cooper and Shem Rodger of Te Awamutu Sports to take out the title.

He used his experience in the windy conditions to make the key breaks that led to victory.

"The crosswinds were really strong. It reminded me of the Tour of Southland," McCauley said. "I waited for the strongest of them and went and that split things up pretty much and went again and that left three of us away - me, Jo Cooper and Shem Rodger.

"I knew I could outsprint Jo so I waited for the final sprint."

McCauley said he rarely competes in the club nationals.

"It's primarily for the age group cyclists but I had nine people competing that I coach, so I thought I would come. Also my Counties Manukau club have been good to me and they really wanted to win the club trophy.

"It was no easy day though, with the hills and the winds."

McCauley said he extended his season a further week to compete but will take a break before preparing to focus on the time trial and his attempt to win selection for the Commonwealth Games.

"That's my focus and if I make the team then it will be totally about preparing for the time trial which is a different beat than a road race."

Cooper finished second, with both riders clocking 4h 21m 19s for the 180km. Shem Rodger, of Waikato, was third to claim the under-23 honours.

Tasman Wheelers' Chris Nicholson, who won Friday's time trial, was third in the senior men.

- NZPA