Cycling: Podium finish for Pure Black

New Zealand-based professional cycling team Pure Black Racing notched up another podium finish at the Sunny King Criterium in Anniston, Alabama, today (NZT).

Mike Northey took second place in a sprint finish, and national criterium champion Tim Gudsell took an early lead and set a fast tempo.

Supported by teammates Shem Rodger, James Williamson and Daniel Barry, the team stayed close to the pace throughout.

Pure Black Racing sports director Carl Williams Cross said the team had worked hard off the front to set a fast pace throughout.

"The ongoing string of attacks launched by the boys made it impossible for a break to form and get away from the peloton, which is the norm here," he said.

Williams said that enabled both Mike Northey and Van Uden to conserve energy for what was always going to be a fast finish.

"Unfortunately, Roman punctured with four laps to go but Mike showed his real class in the sprint to the line coming around several riders to grab second place behind Australian Jonathan Cantwell."

Tomorrow, the team competes in the Foothills Classic Road Race before heading back to their US base in Boulder, Colorado.

- NZPA