Race to the top, the very top, of Admiral Hill likely to decide this year's NZ Cycle Classic LIAM HYSLOPDAVE LINTOTT Joe Cooper is back to defend his New Zealand Cycle Classic title. Admiral Hill looks set to return to its place as New Zealand Cycle Classic kingmaker. He was 14th on the shortened Admiral Hill stage last year, but made up one minute on leader James Oram on stage four into Martinborough to snatch the yellow jersey from his grasp. READ MORE:* Stannard a real contender* Exotic entries bump up NZCC field* Swiss track squad sign up for NZCC* Cooper dedicates NZCC win to parentsTour director Jorge Sandoval said both the timing and length of this year's Admiral Hill stage meant the winner would definitely come from the first few riders across the line. "Every year when we finish at the top of Admiral Hill, whoever wins that stage wins the tour.

Source: Stuff January 15, 2018 23:03 UTC