Riders had icy blast on cycle race through NZ

The North Island contingent of the Tour of New Zealand roll into Wanganui today after four days battling the elements.

More than 240 Kiwis and 75 overseas visitors have coped with the severe cold front that crossed the country since the race started on Saturday at both ends of New Zealand.

The race has two teams coming from either Cape Reinga or Bluff, making their way to Wellington. The North and South Island races run simultaneously, each covering about 100km a day.

Yesterday the North Island pack cycled from Te Kuiti to Taumaranui, then today from National Park to Wanganui and tomorrow Palmerston North to Masterton before heading to Wellington on Saturday.

The mob are expected to arrive in the River City about 2pm-2.30pm today.

The South Island pack have battled the icy weather and made their way up Methven to Oxford yesterday, Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura today and Blenheim to Picton tomorrow before heading to Wellington. Once in Wellington, all cyclists from both North and South will compete in a head-to-head race around Parliament grounds.

The final leg of the race on Saturday around Wellington Parliament grounds from 7.30am.