Cycling: Classy Villumsen too strong

Linda Villumsen celebrates winning her first national road title by almost eight minutes yesterday. Photo / Bruce Watson

Linda Villumsen, who has won medals and honours at the highest level around the world, finally grabbed her first major victory in New Zealand yesterday when she dominated the women's race at the elite national road championship in Christchurch.

Villumsen, who now resides in Christchurch, pushed to the lead on lap three of eight and rode solo for more than 80km of the 120km race in blisteringly hot and windy conditions.

The Commonwealth Games time trial gold medallist finished a remarkable 7 minutes 49 seconds clear of the field in 3h 35m 39s, thought to be the biggest solo winning margin for many years.

The 29-year-old also earned the first victory of 2015 for her new American-based United Healthcare professional team in a race she thought she was never destined to win after twice finishing second.

"It's amazing. I thought I was jinxed. I thought it was never going to happen," Villumsen said. "I've been here so many times and just missed out. I am really happy."

Villumsen won from 22-year-old Sharlotte Lucas, with veteran Nelson cyclist Karen Fulton out-sprinting national representative Emily Collins for third.

Olympic and Commonwealth Games track specialist Lauren Ellis made the first move when she opened a 40-second lead on the second lap, setting up the target for her fellow New Zealand representatives Villumsen and Jaime Nielsen to chase.

The pair bridged the gap and overtook Ellis on the climb up Dyers Pass on lap three but Nielsen, who beat Villumsen in Friday's time trial, succumbed to the efforts and hot conditions at the top of the climb on the next lap and withdrew.

"I thought it was a bit early," Villumsen said. "I wanted her to get over the climb and work together for at least another lap or two. But I must have had pretty good legs today. It's great to have the national jersey to wear for my new team this year."

From that point, Villumsen took complete control, extending her lead from three minutes on lap three, increasing the margin on every lap.

It was a complete master class from the cyclist who has won five world championship medals, was fifth in the Beijing Olympic road race and fifth at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. She enjoyed a good 2014 road season, including eighth in the road race at the world championships, victory in the Tour of Ardeche and 13th in the women's Tour de France.

Lucas, the Canterbury champion, broke away from the chase bunch on the final lap for her second placing, while Fulton outsprinted Collins in what she said was her final time at the elite national championships.

The elite and under-23 men's race over 183.7km will be contested today. Track convert Paddy Bevin is among the pre-race favourites in the elite race, which also features World Tour riders Sam Bewley, George Bennett and Jesse Sergent.