Gudsell wins RaboDirect NZ Criterium title

Te Awamutu’s Tim Gudsell got cycling life for his new Pure Black Racing team away to a good start when he took out the RaboDirect New Zealand Criterium Championships in Auckland on Friday night.

Gudsell out-sprinted a solid field to win the title around a 1300m loop of downtown Takapuna in front of an excellent number of spectators and locals. He timed his move well to go clear near the end of the race to take the victory.

He recently returned to New Zealand after finishing his contract with pro tour team Francaise des Jeux following an injury-plagued two seasons.

Gudsell held off his Pure Black teammate Mike Northey and Rotorua’s Sam Bewley (Team Radioshack) in the elite men’s race run over 40 minutes and two laps.

Commonwealth Games representative Kaytee Boyd (Waiuku) proved too strong in the elite women’s race, winning from Hamilton teenager Pip Sutton and Lauren Grigson run over 25 minutes and two laps.

Results, RaboDirect New Zealand Criterium championships, Takapuna:

Female:

Under 17 (15 mins plus 2 laps: Georgina Wilson 1, Paige Patterson 2, Raquel Sheath 3.

Elite women (25 min plus 2 laps) Kaytee Boyd 1, Pip Sutton 2, Lauren Grigson 3.

Male:

Under 17 boys (15 mins plus 2 laps): Hardy Michel 1, NicK Bain 2, Chad Ellison 3.

Open Age Group (20 mins plus 2 laps): Scott Mullaley 1, Andy Sheath 2.

Elite (40 mins plus 2 laps): Tim Gudsell 1, Mike Northey 2, Sam Bewley 3, Gordon McCauley 4, Shem Roger 5, Aaron Gate 6.