Mico Protrain rider Jeremy Yates on the start line at the RaboDirect Elite Road National Championships last weekend ©Bruce Wilson

Jan 12th, 12. Three days after placing 2nd in the National Road Championships, Mico-Protrain rider Jeremy Yates won the inaugural Milford Mountain Classic, a race he described as 'brutal'.

Yates won the 120km Milford to Te Anau race in spectacular fashion despite wet conditions. He used the climb towards the Homer Tunnel to stage his attack before soloing nearly a 100km back to the finish in Te Anau.

"I attacked the guys halfway up the climb, but I thought once through the tunnel I woud just take it easy and wait for the guys," he said.

"But then I sort of scooted myself down with a little tail wind and when I got to a straight section there was no-one behind for miles so I thought I'd stick my head down and see how long I could last."

Yates crossed the line nearly 2min ahead of Shem Rodger, with Chris Macic in 3rd.

Yates' and his partner, fellow Mico-Protrain rider Serena Sheridan who competed in the women's division, both relished the opportunity to race in this part of the country.

"It's spectacular and it's a privilege to be able to come and race in this part of the country. Definitely credit has to go to the team for putting this race on," he said.