Cycling: Northey takes Viaduct criterium

Bici Vida rider Mike Northey took out last night's opening A-Grade race of the BioSport City Criterium Series at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour.

Current national elite time trial champion Gordon McCaulay (Subway) was runner-up.

Alex Ray (Bici Vida), winner of the recent Armstrong Christchurch Criterium (Dec 09), finished a close 3rd.

Northey stamped his name on last night's race by taking out four of the five sprint laps and will be a marked man in next week's race.

Last night's twilight racing saw 102 riders across four categories race the 1.3km circuit, with A Grade riders reaching speeds of up to 60km/h. Racing continues next Thursday.

The BioSport series at the Tank Farm circuit replaces the previous summer series, the Cyco Criterium champs.

RESULTS:

BioSport City Criterium Series, Race One

A Grade:
1. Mike Northey (Bici Vida)
2. Gordon McCauley (Subway Avanti)
3. Alex Ray (Bici Vida)

B Grade:
Men
1. Jason Waterhouse
2. Mason Spiers
3. Eddie Rosser

Women
1. Gayle Brownlee
2. Kate Chilcott
3. Emma Crum

C Grade:
1. Sam Brothers
2. Dan Gerous
3. Dan Pavis

- NZHERALD STAFF