New Zealand crowns national champions

New Zealand crowned its national mountain bike champions this past weekend in Wellington. Pre-race favourite Stuart Houltham (Palmerston North) led from the start of the elite men's cross country race to claim the national championship while Commonwealth Games representative Sonia Hill (nee Foote) of Rotorua scored a comprehensive victory in the elite women's race.

Houltham, who opened a two minute lead after three laps and eventually finished four minutes clear of runner-up Mike Northcott (Mangakino), winning in 2:04:06, was ecstatic with his win. "I really wanted to win here today. This has been my main focus of the season. It was a course that really suited me with lots of short, sharp climbs," Houltham said.