Yates Wins inaugural Milford Mountain Classic (NZ)

Three days after placing second in the national road cycling championships Mico-Protrain rider Jeremy Yates won the inaugural Milford Mountain Classic, a race he described as being ‘brutal’.

Yates won the 120km Milford to Te Anau race yesterday in spectacular fashion despite wet conditions. He used the climb towards the Homer Tunnel to stage his attack before soloing nearly a 100km back to the finish in Te Anau.

"I attacked the guys halfway up the climb, but I thought once through the tunned I woud just take it easy and wait for the guys. But then I sort of scooted myself down with a little tail wind and when I got to a straight section there was no-one behind for miles so I thought I'd stick my head down and see how long I could last," said Yates.

Yates crossed the line nearly two minutes ahead of Shem Rodger, with Chris Macic in third.

Yates’ and his partner and fellow Mico-Protrain rider Serena Sheridan who competed in the women’s division both relished the opportunity to race in this part of the country.

"It's spectacular and it's a privilege to be able to come and race in this part of the country. Definitely credit has to go to the team for putting this race on," he said.

Full results and information  - www.milfordclassic.co.nz