Northey Wins Maiden National Title in Front of Takapuna Crowds

Mike Northey (PureBlack Racing) won his maiden national title in front of massive crowds at the RaboDirect Criterium National Championships in Takapuna tonight.

Northey outsprinted fellow breakaway companion junior world medallist James Oram, Alex Ray and Aaron Strong  (all Auckland) to take line honours.

“I’m very happy, stoked,’ said Northey, who finished second in this event last year.

“The plan was for myself or (teammate) Dan Barry to get into the move, stay on the fringes and go from there. It was a hard course and quite technical, it wears everyone down.”

It was an aggressive race for the elite men, with many attacks happening early on. The telling break of Northey, Oram, Ray and Strong rode free in the last half of the 45 minute race and managed to establish a 35 second lead.

Northey had a demoralising weekend at the Armstrong Festival of Cycling last weekend, placing second in both the road race and criterium.

“It was nice to see a win; it’s the nationals so it’s nice to get the win here.”

It rounds off a strong year for PureBlack Racing, with teammate Tim Gudsell winning the title last year.

While it was Northey’s first national title, 19 year old Philippa Sutton (Hamilton), took her second national title for the year after a late solo attack.

 

Sutton, who won the senior women's national road race title earlier in the year, made a brave solo attack with three laps to go, and managed to hold out a tough chase by New Zealand track representatives Rushlee Buchanan and Kaytee Boyd.

 

Serena Sheridan (Mico-Protrain) and young rider Racquel Sheath (Whangaporoa) had made an early break, but the pace was too tough for Sheath. Sheridan was caught by Toni Strong and world duathlon champion Mel Burke (Auckland) but they were unable to maintain their lead, which gave Sutton the opportunity to attack.

 

Chad Elliston (Auckland) and Robin Hacker-Cary (Hamilton) won the Under 17 titles.

 

The fast inner-city racing was well supported by large crowds.

 

Results:

 

Elite Men: Mike Northey (Pure Black Racing) 1; Alex Ray (Auckland) 2; James Oram (Auckland) 3.
Elite Women: Philippa Sutton (Hamilton), 1; Rushlee Buchanan (Te Awamutu), 2; Kaytee Boyd (Waiuku)
Open Men: Karl Murray (Auckland) 1; Andrew Weatherley, 2; Andrew Small, 3
Under 17 Boys: Chad Elliston (Auckland) 1; Regan Gough (Waipawa) 2; Scott Ambrose (Howick) 3.
Under 17 Girls: Robin Hacker-Cary (Hamilton) 1; Devon Hiley (Auckland) 2; Madison Farriant (Hamilton) 3

Full results available at www.smartsport.co.nz

Caption: Women’s winner Philippa Sutton in action
 
credit: Pete Bruggeman – BikeNZ