Cycling: Archbold finally sheds the mullet

Olympic cyclist Shane Archbold has finished the Tour of Southland about half a kilogram lighter than when he started it - and it had little to do with the racing.

Archbold might not have crossed the line first in the final day's racing on Saturday, but he was certainly the centre of attention as his trademark mullet was cut off in front of a large crowd.

In the process a campaign to raise money for the Child Cancer Foundation netted more than $11,500.

"I was stoked when we reached the $10,000 mark and I think we're going to leave it open a while longer so hopefully it will fetch a bit more," Archbold said.

Archbold was motivated to support the Child Cancer Foundation through his association with cancer survivor Tim Leonard, 15, who hails from his home town, Timaru.

Tim and his father, Mark, came south for the final two days of the Tour and said they were very impressed with Archbold's new look.

"It was fantastic," Mark said. "We didn't expect it to reach $10,000 so quickly, but it has just been great."

After four years of growing his lengthy locks, many took great pleasure in assisting with the removal of the distinctive mullet.

Archbold's PowerNet teammates Myron Simpson and Cam Karwowski each took their turn with the clippers, while the many other riders looked on amused.

Donations in support of the campaign can still be made online at: http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/ShaneArchbold-TheFlyingMullet