Two-time winner Peter Latham will be the man to beat at the criterium national championships around the streets of Takapuna on Friday evening.
The New Zealand track representative will have the support of his Subway Pro Cycling teammates, including fellow track representatives Wes Gough and Jason Allen.
Pure Black Racing will also enter a strong team and work to set up the ride for Mike Northey to chase line honours. Northey, who placed second last year, will be well supported by seven Pure Black Racing teammates including Shem Rodger who won the recent Hamilton city criterium and sprint specialist Roman van Uden.
Defending champion Kaytee Boyd leads the women's field. Boyd, another New Zealand representative cyclist, is on form winning the recent Lake Taupo cycle challenge.
Boyd's biggest challenge will come from Jeannie Kuhajek who won the criterium in Christchurch last Sunday, along with Serena Sheridan, track rider Rushlee Buchanan and triathlete Debbie Tanner, who is a strong cyclist.
