Cycling: Third time lucky in Vineyard ride

Waimate rider Heath Blackgrove prevailed in today's final stage of the Tour de Vineyards to record his first win in the four-day cycle race around Nelson.

Blackgrove, 23, was poised to win the 340km tour after dominating the second stage on Friday and finishing second in Saturday's third stage.

He finished second on the 60km Hill St circuit today, protecting a 3m 35s advantage to win the tour by 3m 43s in a time of 10h 12m 17s.

Marlborough's Robin Reid was second overall. Alister Duncan, from Canterbury, was third at 4m 1s.

Under-23 rider, Willie Thompson, of Auckland, was fourth at 7m 54s.

Blackgrove agreed that his consistency secured his first win in three attempts at the tour.

He finished second in 2002 and fourth last year. This time Blackgrove showed enough speed on the flat and hills to stay ahead of Reid and Duncan.

Wellington novice Nadene Boyle continued to impress in winning the women's 300km race in 9h 31m 4s.

The 25-year-old, who has been riding competitively for only two seasons, recorded her second successive tour win after dominating the Tour de Femme, also in Nelson, late last month.

Commonwealth Games pursuit champion Sarah Ulmer was second at 11m 52s and Michelle Hyland of Hamilton was third at 15m 18s.

- NZPA