KEY POINTS:
The toughest day so far - stages from Wanganui and later into Ohakune over the testing Fields Track climb - again failed to split the field in the Lion Foundation 7-Day Wellington to Auckland Cycle Challenge but there were plenty of tired legs after a tough day in the saddle.
Matt Gorter continued to build on his advantage at the head of the field but the close racing in the age groups continued with Lee Johnstone (Whangarei), Stephen Carton (Perth) and Neil Blayney (Auckland) and Blair Stockwell (Brisbane) holding slight advantages.
Today's stage of 82km from Ohakune to Turangi - the longest of the race - promises another severe test.
