11 Jan 2015

Local team take one-two-three at cycling nationals

5:16 pm on 11 January 2015

The homegrown Avanti Racing team riders led by Wellington's Joe Cooper took a clean sweep of the national road championship in Christchurch today.

Joe Cooper (right) and Tom Davison celebrate the one-two finish at the elite national road cycling championships.

Joe Cooper (right) and Tom Davison celebrate the one-two finish at the elite national road cycling championships. Photo: Bruce Wilson

Cooper led teammate Tom Davison home after a superb break late on the penultimate lap of the 183km race.

The pair took advantage of outstanding teamwork to hold off all challengers, while their Avanti Racing teammate Jason Christie broke clear of the select chase group to claim third.

Cooper says he couldn't have asked for more of his team after all six guys stuck to the plan and were ready to sacrifice themselves.

It was a breakthrough for the 29-year-old who has been racing at the nationals for 10 years.

Local Christchurch rider Hamish Schreurs, claimed the under-23 honours.

After six years in Christchurch the championships move to Napier for the next three years.

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