Kiwi News

ARay fires opening shot in Taupo

Alex Ray after winning the Taupo criterium ©RoadCycling.co.nz

Nov 26th, 11. Alex Ray won the elite men's street race criterium in Taupo last night from a four man break which got free early in the 45min +3 lap race.

Of the 16 starters, half were either in PureBlack Racing or Subway Pro Cycling colours and it was PureBlack's Ray who opened up the action by storming off the front early in the race.

He was later joined by his teammate Mike Northey and Subway's Paul Odlin and Sam Horgan.

The quartet stayed together for the rest of the race, while behind them last year's winner Roman Van Uden (PureBlack Racing) was chasing with the super impressive Jason Allen (Subway) who seemed to have endless energy despite his week competing at the Oceania Track Championships.

The front quartet extended their lead and well before the bell lap knew they would be contesting the prize money amongst themselves.

"I just hit it as hard as I can," said eventual winner Ray of the last corner before the finishing straight.

"It got pretty tricky in the end. Mike and I were trying to cover all the Subway moves - we did a good job!"

Last year PureBlack Racing's Van Uden won the criterium and went on to win the race around the lake and Ray is not ruling out doing the same.

"If Roman can do it, then why not. He's good to be around, he's got a lot of advise to share," Ray said.

His enthusiasm had waned by this morning's start line where super strong winds buffeted the riders and organisers warned of flying debris on the roads after a Met Service "severe weather warning" for Westerly gales.