Cycling: Roulston withdraws from Tour of Southland

Hayden Roulston. Photo / Getty Images

Hayden Roulston will not win a record-equalling fifth Tour of Southland title this year, after withdrawing from the race 30km into today's fifth stage.

The Calder-Stewart rider headed into the potentially defining 179km stage from Te Anau to the Crown Range with the yellow jersey on his back and a slim six second lead in the overall standings, ahead of Share the Road rider Chris Macic.

But a tour spokeswoman said Roulston was feeling unwell on the start line and pulled the plug on his race after about 20 minutes of riding.

Surrounded by a formidable team featuring two other Olympians and three New Zealand representatives, Roulston was looking a good chance to retain the title he won last year, which would have equalled Brian Fowler's record of five Tour of Southland victories.