Olympian Rushlee Buchanan has become the first woman to win the national road cycling championship four times.
Rushlee Buchanan celebrates her history fourth win at the New Zealand Road Cycling Championships. Photo: Photosport
Buchanan out-kicked fellow Rio Olympic track rider Georgia Williams and triathlete-turned-cyclist Kate McIlroy in an exciting sprint finish along the Napier foreshore.
The United Healthcare rider successfully defended the title she won last year in Napier after wins in 2010 and 2014 to move one championship clear of three-time winners Cath Cheatley and Melissa Holt.
"I knew I wasn't the best climber out there and had to save my energy when I could and dig very, very deep when Kate and Georgia were putting the hammer down," Buchanan said.
"I backed myself for the sprint finish. I knew I had the better jump and that played into my hands."
