Cycling: Hill separates Menzies from the rest in Southland

Australian Karl Menzies emerged from the pack to take the yellow jersey after yesterday's first two stages of cycling's Tour of Southland.

Menzies ended the day 3s ahead of the 2000 race winner Glen Mitchell after a gutsy ride up Bluff Hill that showcased the Australian's ability.

"We think we've got the strongest team here so whether it's me or one of the other four guys, we don't really care who wins the tour - as long as we win it at the end," Menzies said after his stage two win in the 81.2km ride from Invercargill to Bluff via Otatara.

"It's only the first day, there's a lot more to go and we'll just play it as it goes."

In stage two, the Mitchell-led team, who had won the morning's team time trial, continued their strong showing when the entire team made it into the 27-strong breakaway that forced the issue after a blustery procession through and around Invercargill and out to the port.

As the ascent of Bluff Hill began, it was Menzies, Mitchell and Athens Olympian Robin Reid who surged ahead for the podium finish, with Reid claiming second place.

Menzies said it was the help of his team that had got him to the top of Bluff Hill first.

"Once you've got that gap it's so hard to get it back on a climb like that."

Today's racing promises to be an energy-sapping day, with a 104.9km stage from Invercargill to Tuatapere, then 88.3km from Tuatapere to Winton.

- NZPA