Cycling: Team dominates city series

Mike Northey (R) takes line honours ahead of Nick Lovegrove. Photo / Mead Norton

The Bici Vida team has continued its dominant run in the bioSPORT City Criterium Series, earning first and third places in last night's race at the Auckland Viaduct.

Mike Northey earned line honours for Bici Vida after beating Subway Avanti's Nick Lovegrove to the finish. Northey's teammate Alex Ray finished a close third.

Northey led from the first lap with a small pack, including Lovegrove, at the front of the field of more than 45 riders. As the race neared completion, the pair tore away to become clear leaders.

Ray finished third after team maneuvering from Bici Vida saw he and teammate Roman van Uden bridge the gap between the trailing pack and the leaders.

Northey is the favourite to win the series title. His nearest rival, teammate Patrick Bevin, trails him by 24 points.

The Elite Women's race was won by Rosy McCall followed by Kate Mullarkey and Paula McCoy close behind.

Racing continues at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour next Thursday.

- NZ HERALD ONLINE