Cycling: Bauer in show of strength

KIWI Jack Bauer proved that he is set to be a major asset to West Lothian-based pro cycling team Endura Racing this season when he landed the New Zealand road race title in Christchurch.

By The Newsroom

Published 11th Jan 2010, 08:38 BST

Updated 11th Jan 2010, 10:41 BST

The 24-year-old grabbed the win by half a wheel in a three-man sprint at the end of the 186-kilometre event, seeing off his more experienced rivals, Julian Dean (Garmin-Transitions), and pre-race favourite Hayden Roulston (Columbia), a five times Tour de France competitor.

Bauer will now compete in the Tour of Wellington and will also contest the individual pursuit at the New Zealand Track Championships before linking up with his Endura colleagues for the Tour du Haut Var in the South of France next month.

"To take a sprint over those two, I didn't really think was possible," said a delighted Bauer. "It was a quality field so I'm stoked."