The proud Southlander and member of the New Zealand’s men’s track endurance squad was stoked to take an early lead in his home event after some furious racing on the opening day of the rescheduled tour yesterday. The under-23 rider then finished second in the 42km stage one street race on the same course to take the overall lead in the general classification. Earlier in the stage, he had also won the sprint points to take an early lead in the sprint ace classification. Creation Signs-MitoQ-NZ Cycling Project lead the teams classification with Ben Dyball the leading over-35 rider. Stage 1: Zakk Patterson 1, Erwood 2, Kiaan Watts 3, Nicholas Kergozou 4, Thomas Sexton 5.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 18, 2026 16:07 UTC