Cycling: Van Uden wins Lake Taupo challenge

Roman van Uden took out the latest round of the national point series road race in Taupo. Photo / Getty Images

The new Pure Black cycling team had their first race victory when Auckland's Roman van Uden took out the latest round of the national point series road race in Taupo today.

Van Uden kicked clear of Te Awamutu's Justin Kerr in the outskirts of Taupo to win the 160km Lake Taupo cycle challenge in idyllic conditions.

Young Auckland rider Kate Chilcott took out the women's race from former Olympic rower Sonia Waddell and current United States national series champion Cath Cheatley.

Van Uden was in a 14-strong breakaway that went clear after only 40km, including most of the main players such as Tim Gudsell -- recently returned to riding after a prolonged injury break -- Jeremy Yates and Glen Chadwick.

Gudsell and Van Uden's teammate Mike Northey broke off the front of the group at the Hautepe climb 35km from the finish and were joined in a group of six riders.

"I talked with my teammate Glen Chadwick and said we had better odds as a team if we bridged up to that group to give us three riders in the bunch," Van Uden said.

It took the pair 10km to get to the front group with Van Uden aiming to set up the fast finishing Northey in the sprint.

"But Justin Kerr attacked and I went with him to cover and no-one came with us so I went for it. Close to Taupo I realised that Justin was cooked so I put on the pressure and managed to go clear.

"I have only ever made it to the top-10 here so to win today was fantastic for me and for the team."

Taupo's Patrick Bevin, who rides for Team Bissell in the USA, led the bunch home for third while series leader Gordon McCauley, struggling with an injury, had to be content with riding in the peloton today.

Van Uden said that selection in the new Pure Black team was exciting and after three years racing in the US, he believes the team will be well accepted there next year.

The women's race also followed similar lines, with a group breaking clear and in the final dash to the line, Chilcott outlasted her more vaunted rivals for the win.

There are three rounds remainingin the series.

- NZPA