29 Jan 2012

McCarthy takes lead in NZ Cycle Classic

5:23 am on 29 January 2012

The young Australian cyclist Jay McCarthy has taken over the leader's yellow jersey after the 4th stage of the New Zealand Cycle Classic in the Manawatu.

McCarthy caught a breakaway group led by the BikeNZ Olympic track squad with just a kilometre to go and finished second in the stage sprint.

The time bonus that McCarthy received for his second place was sufficient for him to overtake compatriot Darren Lapthorne and claim the tour leader's yellow jersey.

McCarthy will take a three-second lead into Sunday's fifth and final stage.