Cycling: Champion shows the way in warm-up

World road cycling champion Zinaida Stahurskaia yesterday drew first blood with victory in the first of two warm-up races before Sunday's World Cup race in Hamilton.

On a five-lap circuit out from Hamilton and near Pirongia, the Belarus cyclist led home a six-strong bunch to win in 2h 40m 46s.

After 70km ridden at a steady pace in near ideal conditions, American Mari Holden - the world time-trial champion and Sydney Olympic silver medallist - initiated the break. She was quickly joined by five cyclists from different teams.

They rode well together to establish a break which stretched to about 4 1/2 minutes at the finish.

In a sprint finish, Stahurskaia got home from Dutch rider and renowned sprinter Mirjam Melchers, who won a stage in the 1999 Street-Skills tour.

Melissa Holt was the first of the New Zealand riders to finish, in third place.

Behind her were Holden, Rosalind Reekie-May (New Zealand) and Italian Luisana Pegoraro.

Almost all the riders who will compete in Sunday's race took part yesterday, although New Zealand No 1 Sarah Ulmer did not start.

There will be a second 100km warm-up race, near Morrinsville, this morning.

Sunday's World Cup race will be on circuit around the lake near the centre of Hamilton.