Cyclist Linda Villumsen finally grabbed her first major victory in New Zealand when she dominated the elite national road championship in Christchurch today.
NZ Cyclist Linda Villumsen Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Commonwealth Games time trial gold medallist pushed to the lead on lap three and road solo for more than 80km of the 120km race.
She finished a remarkable seven minutes 49 seconds clear of the field, believed to be the biggest solo win in recent memory at the championships, ahead of Sharlotte Lucas, and Karen Fulton who claimed third.
Jaime Nielsen, who beat Villumsen in yesterday's time trial, withdrew suddenly due to heat exhaustion.
The 29-year-old also earned the first victory of 2015 for her new American-based United Healthcare professional team in a race that Villumsen thought she was never destined to win after twice finishing second
It was a complete master class from the cyclist who has won five world championship medals, was fifth in the Beijing Olympic road race and fifth at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Tomorrow is the elite and under-23 men's race over 183.7kms.