By MURRAY McKINNON
Alan Bunce chalked up his third New Zealand road running title in Dunedin - and declared his intention to move up to the 10,000m distance on the track.
Bunce, from North Harbour Bays, made a bold bid to qualify in the 5000m for the Sydney Olympics but found the Australian trial race not the ideal event to run a fast time.
But the 33-year-old was in full control in Dunedin as he powered through wind, rain and freezing temperatures to win the 10km event in 29m 37s.
Bunce led from the start with Richard Potts left to run his own race for second. Potts made up ground on the second half but was dogged by a recurring back problem. He still gave chase to the end and was just 5s slower for the silver. Chris Dagg of Queenstown was third, in 30m 9s.
Bunce, a former New Zealand 1500m and 5000m champion, has yet to step up to 10,000m on the track.
"I want to try for a fast first up time in the Zatopek event in Melbourne on December 4," said Bunce.
In a close result in the senior men's teams title, in which two points covered the first four teams, Wellington won, with Lynndale of Auckland second.
Lee-Ann McPhillips, of Hamilton City Hawks, kept her senior women's title with an impressive 34m for the 10km, around the Logan Park circuit.
Athetics: Bunce win furthers his aims
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