Cycling: Bewley takes third stage

Sam Bewley. Photo / NZPA

New Zealand track cyclist Sam Bewley reinforced his road prowess by winning the third stage of the New Zealand cycle classic in Manawatu today.

Bewley, a Beijing Olympic medallist, put his track power to good use as he fended off the challenge from breakaway companion Nick Lovegrove in the sprint for the win.

The stage result did not affect the overall leaders, with Australian Darren Lapthorne retaining the tour lead with a narrow three second advantage over fellow Australian Jay McCarthy.

The start of today's stage, a 155km loop from Palmerston North run in the reverse direction of Thursday's stage, saw Bewley, Lovegrove and Brodie Talbot break free from the peloton. They quickly established themselves in a comfortable lead in the cold and wet conditions, remaining clear for a gruelling 140km.

"I didn't plan on spending 140km out the front with only one or two other riders, but it just sort of worked out that way," Bewley said. "I thought once I was in there I may as well commit to it."

With the leading trio no threat to the yellow jersey the peloton gave them a free reign, establishing a seven minute lead before Talbot was dropped after 80km.

"I knew it was going to be hard in the wind having only two guys," Bewley said. "Even with five guys it would have been a big ask.

"Luckily the guys from Drapac team weren't interested in catching us, with Nick and I both 16 minutes down on general classification, which definitely worked in our favour.

"The final 30km into the wind though was the hardest 30km I've done in my life. I have only been training hard for three or four weeks now, so I knew my condition wasn't going to be that great coming into the race. But today I felt strong enough to ride hard all day so I am happy with that."

The early margin proved costly for the peloton who were unable to reel in the leading pair, despite a powerful and frantic push into the strong winds, eventually storming across the line only eight seconds behind Bewley.

Tomorrow's penultimate fourth stage is 111km circuit from Palmerston North through Bunnythorpe, Awahou and Ashhurst.

Results from stage four (155km): Sam Bewley (BikeNZ) 3.52.05, 1; Nick Lovegrove (Subway Pro Cycling) ST, 2; Patrick Bevan (Hudson Gavin Martin) 3.52.12, 3.

Overall standings: Darren Lapthorne (Drapac Professional Cycling) 7.38.16, 1; Jay McCarthy (Jayco-AIS) at 3 seconds, 2; Campbell Flakemore (Genesys Wealth Advisors) at 1m:14s, 3.