The Te Awamutu cyclist Hayden McCormick was crowned National Criterium Champion in front of 10,000 spectators in Auckland on Friday night.
In the elite men's race, 18-year-old McCormick outstretched defending champion Mike Northey on the line to claim the New Zealand title.
Less than half of the 41 riders who started the race managed to finish in the main bunch after constant attacks split the field early in the 40 minute event.
In the elite women's race, which was reduced to just 15 minutes following a massive crash in the open entry category, it was 19-year-old Georgia Williams from Auckland who rode clear from a brake away group of four to claim the national championship.
