Alexandra's Liam Aitcheson climbed his way to victory on the Tour of Southland yesterday with Dunedin's Brad Evans still wearing the yellow jersey.
Aitcheson had to settle for third place on the same stage last year, a determined Aitcheson (Creation Signs-L&M Group Ricoh) won a two-man duel against Michael Vink (Team Mike Greer Homes) up the demanding 8km Coronet Peak climb.
''It was a really tough race today but I just remembered from last year, I know the climb quite well and was doing it last week,'' Aitcheson said.
''This has probably been one of my worst years for being sick but I've come back for the tour and come away with a stage win.''
This year's stage had been shortened from 180km to a less intimidating 140km.
Matt Zenovich (Champion Systems Team Dallaa) was again in the action from the start in Mossburn, eventually helping form the day's major break, which included United States rider Eric Marcotte (Kia Motors-Ascot Park), Nick Reddish (Olivers Real Food Racing) and fellow Southlander Luke Macpherson (Barry Stewart Builders).
They slowly increased their lead until they had an almost four-minute advantage as they skirted Lake Wakatipu.
But as the ominous sight of the Coronet access road loomed up high above their right shoulders, the peloton pulled them back.
Vink, who has also had a season affected by illness, fought gamely, Aitcheson appearing to have the ability to pull away when he wanted to.
Aitcheson said he just concentrated on getting to the top.
''I was just focusing on getting to the top really, trying to keep myself fresh, surging and recovering to make it better for me and worse for him.''
''The team did a perfect job, brought me into the bottom of the hill perfectly and I was able to pull it off.''
Just behind them on the climb, tour leader Evans (PowerNet) was in his own fight with fellow contender Robbie Hucker (Barry Stewart Builders).
Starting the day with a 17-second lead over the Australian, Evans could not hold his wheel on the climb but still retains a 14-second lead.
''The whole team worked incredibly well today. They were super strong,'' Evans said.
''With two days to go, we are in with a sniff of victory. The other teams will be looking to attack us but I was feeling good today and I'm sure I'll be able to ride well tomorrow and we'll just see how it unfolds.''
Today's 150km stage is from Invercargill to Gore.
