Commonwealth Games-Bound cyclist Hayden Roulston showed his class with victory in the 125km fifth stage of the Wellington-Wairarapa classic yesterday. Riding a tactically perfect race in sweltering conditions, Roulston headed the field to Admiral Hill, and wrested the tour leader's yellow jersey from Tim Gudsell who finished 58s behind.
Meanwhile,
Tour de France cyclist Julian Dean spent his 31st birthday in hospital after withdrawing from the race to undergo minor surgery. But it will not affect his European campaign which starts in March.
Scotsman Duncan Urquhart repeated his feat of the previous two days by attacking the main peloton early and forming a breakaway of six. The break lasted until the 95km mark, Urquhart picking up second place on the first climb to seal his king of the mountains jersey.
However, the pack were never more than two minutes behind. Approaching the final 20km, which included the tough Kureaw climb, a 19-man lead group took over, including Gudsell, Roulston, Josh Wilson, Jeremy Vennell, Peter Latham and his Samsung New Zealand team-mate Logan Hutchins.
On Kureaw Hill, Roulston's Subway team-mate, Vennell, set a strong pace, putting Gudsell in difficulty. The long descent to the bottom of Admiral Hill offered a chance to recover before the 9km twisting ascent to the finish.
Again Vennell set a blistering pace on the climb, shredding the group, but with Roulston comfortably riding behind him in temperatures topping 30C. With just 1km remaining, the leading trio of Tasmanian Josh Wilson, Roulston and Vennell had a 56s lead over Gudsell but Vennell tired and Wilson made a dash for the line.
Roulston reacted immediately and sprinted up the steep final 200m to win by a clear two lengths.
"That was our plan all day and it worked out perfectly," Roulston said. "Hats off to Jeremy [Vennell]. If you don't know who he is now, you will in the future. "I believe we [Subway] are the strongest team in the race and it's crucial to be confident as a team."
Today's final day sees a 12km time-trial and a criterium.
- NZPA
