Ally Wollaston Photo: Sharkey Snaps
Rising star Ally Wollaston continued her outstanding start to the 2023 season by claiming the overall honours in the women's road race at Cycling New Zealand's Elite Road National Championships in Tokoroa.
Wollaston, 22, produced the final kick after an aggressive and hard-fought 105km race in a five-strong sprint finish to claim the under-23 title and earns the national championship jersey to wear in Europe this year with her professional team AG Insurance-Soudal Quick Step.
This follows wins in Australia during the Santos Tour Down Under, and victory in the national criterium championships.
She pipped World Tour rider Georgia Williams for the overall honours. However Williams, EF Education-TIBCO-SVB star, claimed the elite women's honours, which is her fourth New Zealand title, to draw level with Rushlee Buchanan as the most national road race title.
Two-time Oceania champion Sharlotte Lucas (Hokitika Cycling) was third after a brave attack to open up a one minute lead going into the final lap.
"Today was important with tactics. There were girls all over the place - attacks right from the gun so staying really active and following good wheels was the secret," Wollaston said.
"Georgia attacked on the first climb. I was ready for that but not all the attacks from everyone else. It was full-gas and all the girls gave it a really good nudge and there wasn't much left to chance by the end. Everyone left it out there and I am blown away and proud that I've won.
"To take the national jersey to wear with my team is going to be special."
Lucas held on to be second in the elite race from Hamilton's Late McCarthy, while Ella Wyllie (Counties Manukau) was runner-up in the Under-23 race from clubmate Belle Judd.