Matt Zenovich became the first Southlander in 10 years to win a stage in the Tour of Southland yesterday, storming home in the 148km Stage 3 from Riverton to Te Anau, but James Oram will stay in yellow for today's pivotal fourth stage.
Zenovich, part of a locally based H&Js Outdoor World Avanti Plus team, did a huge amount of work as part of a group of seven riders that broke away early.
The break, which also featured Brad Evans (PowerNet) and Kieran Hambrook (Ascot Park Hotel Kia Southland) who finished the stage second and third respectively, had a lead of 3m 40s by the time it reached the Blackmount Hill climb.
While that was whittled down to less than a minute, Zenovich was never about to relinquish his chance at a stage victory.
With about 10km to go, he and Evans went off the front and Zenovich won the sprint finish down Te Anau's Lakefront Dr.