Hayden Roulston has won a popular victory in the national road cycling championships in Christchurch today.
The hometown favourite rode down professional teammate George Bennett in the final 3km to claim his third victory in the event, sponsored by Calder Stewart. Roulston last won the race in 2011.
Bennett hung on for second and Julian Dean marked his final professional race with third.
Results, elite men 180km: Hayden Roulston (Radioshack Nissan Trek, Mid-South Canterbury) 4:37.18, 1; George Bennett (Radioshack Nissan Trek, Nelson) same time, 2; Julian Dean (Benchmark Homes, Bay of Plenty) at 50s, 3.
Under-23: James Oram (Livestrong Bontrager, Auckland) 4:37:29, 1; Michael Vink (Scotty Browns, Canterbury) at 39s, 2; Alex Frame (Canterbury) same time, 3.
