Cycling: Challenge pack wars with wind

Commonwealth Games gold medallist Greg Henderson has had some memorable wins, but none in such windy conditions as the 96km Lake Dunstan Cycle Challenge near Cromwell yesterday.

Elated by his win, Henderson could only lament the strong northwesterly winds which buffeted the 185-strong field.

"They were seriously strong winds - probably the strongest I can recall in my entire racing career," Henderson said.

The Dunedin-based rider dropped the bunch about 5km before the Luggate Bridge and was shadowed by Alexandra's Grant Lyon for the wind-assisted homeward leg before Henderson showed his strength and rode the last 5km to the finish alone.

Invercargill's Ray Robinson was third overall, with Carolyn Jenkins, of Dunedin, winning the women's race in 2h 55m 52s.

Henderson posted 2h 36m 4s for the distance, which took riders from Cromwell to Tarras, across to the Luggate Bridge, over the Clutha River and back to Cromwell.

"I was in my biggest cog and clocking over 80km/h. That's faster than my track bike," Henderson said.

Returning to competition after a rest, Henderson has just returned from Australia, where he won a sprint series, and from a race in Southland.

Now he is eyeing the World Cup in Moscow next month and the Olympic Games in two years.

- NZPA