Defending champion Johanna Buick of Canterbury looks the rider to beat in the three-day Nelson women's cycling tour starting today.
She made the decisive break on the field last year on the second day in the 18km Takaka hill climb and, with this stage featuring again, it could be a
repeat performance.
But Auckland's Penny Warring and consistent Canterbury rider Tracey Clark will not let her have things all her own way. Evelyn Williamson from Waikanae will make the transition from triathlete to cyclist for the three days.
Cycling Nelson race director Averil West said the tour offered women the opportunity to display their tactical skills rather being submerged in a field of men where profile and recognition for women was often minimal.
