Benchmark dominates Benchmark 1st round

Mar 28th, 10. James McCoy was the first of three team Benchmark Homes riders to cross the finish line at Woollaston Estate winery to take opening honours in the 2010 Benchmark Homes series.

McCoy wins Benchmark Homes series Round 1 ©cyclingphotos.co.nz

Although most were backing the experienced Subway Avanti team, others were suggesting the up and coming younger riders were the ones to keep an eye on - especially after 17 year old Josh Atkins won the Graperide in Blenheim yesterday afternoon.

They were proved right when three Under 23 Benchmark Homes Cycling Team riders took the first three places in the 10 lap Tasman Woollaston Classic.

McCoy made a mark for himself, riding a perfectly judged race to take out the first round of the series ahead of Atkins and William Bowman.

Despite the best efforts of a breakaway group which included Internationally experienced Team Kelford Engineering's Master category rider Nathan Dahlberg, Tasman Wheelers' David Ayre and Ultimo Jamis Cycling Team member Joe Chapman, who led the race for 8 laps, McCoy rode safely and conservatively in the peloton waiting for his opportunity.

H & J Smith Southland team member Cam Karwowski and Subway Avanti rider Sam Horgan broke away from the peloton in the 5th lap and chased hard with Horgan successfully joining Chapman, Dahlberg and Ayre just after the climb to the Moutere Hotel at 108km.

The Benchmark Homes podium ©Benchmark Homes team

After tackling the hairpin bends of cemetery corner at speed, McCoy and Ultimo Jamis rider Andy Mackay had a break of 60 seconds on the chasing bunch.  At 20km to go, McCoy and Mackay entered the hill for the 2nd to last time.

"I looked back and I knew I was stronger than Andy so I sat down, dug deep as I could, and rode away," said McCoy who rode a gutsy final 16km alone.

"I kept thinking positive thoughts and trusted my team – I knew they'd be doing the job (for me)."

Benchmark team manager Brendan Hart was understandably rapt with the team's results today.

"It's been an unbelievable weekend with Josh [Atkins] winning the Graperide yesterday and James [McCoy] winning today.  It's been a great team effort."

"The boys sacrificed themselves for the team leaders, followed the game plan to perfection and I couldn't ask for anything more. I have seen a real maturity in the team over the last few weeks. Their ability to stick to a plan is paying dividends with increased consistency in our results."

Experience pays off in women's three rider race for the line

Kuhajek wins Benchmark Homes series Round 1 ©cyclingphotos.co.nz

New Zealand triathlete Julia Grant (Mico-All About Plumbing) and accomplished multisport and adventure racer Sia Svensden (Team Thule Cycling) proved too strong for the rest of the women's field in only their 1st year of competitive road cycling.

Kuhajek's local knowledge and racing experience overcame Svensden and Grant as they entered the final hill climb to the finish.

"I saw a couple of the men attack on the final lap for us and I thought well this is it, I have to go for it and I managed to hang on until the end," said an elated Kuhajek.

Related articles

• Photo gallery from Benchmark Homes series
• Results from Round 1 of the Benchmark Homes series
• Benchmark Home series begins this weekend
• Atkins earns gold label at Forrest Graperide
• From surgery to success for Josh Atkins