Cycling: Local riders deliver goods on first day of tour

New Zealand riders grabbed their fair share of podium spots on the first day of the women's cycling tour of New Zealand, even though an American from a "pot-pourri" team stole the day's major honour.

Tina Mayolo-Pic, 38, from Georgia, backed by a team put together by tour organiser Jorge Sandoval at the last minute, took the stage win in a blanket finish.

Oenone Wood, Australia's reigning World Cup series champion, took second and third went to New Zealand Olympian Joanne Kiesanowski, racing for an Italian professional team.

New Zealand A's Melissa Holt won three of five sprints to take the lead in the sprints category on nine points.

The circuit around Fraser Park was two-paced, said Kiesanowski, 25, of Canterbury, who finished fourth at last weekend's World Cup race in Geelong.

"It was a pretty tough day - I thought it was going to be easier because there are not many corners but the wind definitely made it harder.It was a shame I couldn't win but I got on the podium which is still good.

Mayolo-Pic paid tribute to her hastily assembled team of two other Americans, two Australians and Wellingtonian Jane Williams.

A veteran of 10 years on the professional circuit, the 38-year-old said it was her best win considering the quality of the field.

Today the riders will take on a 117km stage from Featherstone to Masterton in the morning and an hour-long criterium in Masterton in the afternoon. The tour ends with a 12km time trial in Wellington tomorrow.

- NZPA