Cycling: Easy win for Mitchell in Southland tour

New Zealand Olympic road cyclist Glen Mitchell safeguarded his overnight lead to win the 2000 Tour of Southland classic.

Mitchell, who disappointed in failing to complete the Sydney Olympics road race, won the six-day, 900km event comfortably with a controlled ride.

He finished 1m 27s in front of world junior road champion Jeremy Yates.

The win marked a high point in Mitchell's career.

"The Southland Tour is one that I have always wanted to put my name on the trophy," he said.

"Now I'm just delighted that I can say I came down here and won this race."

Mitchell, of Hamilton, held a 35s lead over the field going into the final day of two stages from Te Anau to Lumsden (79km) and Lumsden to Invercargill (101km).

His team-mate, Greg Henderson was first into Lumsden, closely followed by Belgium rider Frank de Backer.

Mitchell was third and he held on to win comfortably in the afternoon.

- NZPA