Cycling: Northey wins criterium in US

Mike Northy secured his first win in the United States to land the Tour De Grove's NRC Criterium in St Louis. Photo / NZ Herald

Mike Northey secured his first win in the United States to land the Tour De Grove's NRC Criterium in St Louis, Missouri this morning (NZT).

The PureBlack Racing rider headed home a strong field in the 75-minute race staged in wet and cold conditions after he was part of a breakaway that forged the decisive break after 45 minutes of racing.

Aucklander Northey was joined by teammate Louis Crosby in the 10-rider group and, after fending off the peloton's attempts to get back on terms, Crosby cranked up the pace over the final two laps for Northey to take the victory in a sprint finish.

"There were three really technical corners leading into the home straight and I had worked out that with the slippery conditions I might be able to use this to my advantage and get a jump on the others and that's exactly what happened. I went with my sprint from about 500 metres and held the lead all the way to the line," said Northey.

PureBlack Racing have one more race in the Tour de Grove series tomorrow before they head back to their United States base in Boulder, Colorado.

- NZPA