Fouche is king of the road

Just as in the women’s race, an under-23 rider has stolen the show in the men’s event at the national cycling championships in Napier.

James Fouche, who rides for Bradley Wiggins’ team in Europe, blew the field apart to register a time of 4:01:02, to win by 3min 15sec on the 166km course.

Fouche won the under-23 time trial on Friday, then claimed the biggest victory of his career in yesterday’s race, winning solo over a field that included the likes of World Tour rider George Bennett and Friday’s elite time trial winner Patrick Bevin.

The 20-year-old from Auckland won the under-23 race last year and spent 2018 riding in top agegroup races in Europe, where he is set to return after being resigned by UCI continental team, Team Wiggins.

‘‘It is cool to be able to thank them by taking the national jersey back to race for them this year,’’ Fouche said.

Along with 11 other riders, Fouche made an early statement in breaking away for a three-anda-half-minute lead, and while most of his companions were caught up by the stronger peloton members over the nine climbs of ‘Hospital Hill’, Fouche burst away.

‘‘I thought the key for me was to get an early break because I am not one of the best on the climbs,’’ Fouche said. ‘‘It worked out really well although I was sceptical to go with three laps left but I just went with it.’’

Tom Scully was the only one left with a shot at victory, behind by 27 seconds with two laps remaining, however Fouche then produced what were comfortably the quickest two laps of the race.

After taking the bell for the final lap Fouche had a 1.58 lead, and he extended that in style, as Scully was beaten in a sprint finish by another under-23 rider in Kees Duyvesteyn.

‘‘James was very impressive,’’ Scully said. ‘‘It was incredible when James went on the climb and put the sword in. It was too much for me. He is an impressive, strong young rider.’’