CHARTWELL CLASSIC (New Zealand)

Curran steals last stage

A BRILLIANT last stage victory by Paul Curran ended a fine team effort by Great Britain in the Chartwell Classic three-day race in New Zealand.

John Tonks was second overall at 2-53 to Stephen Swart of the Waikato team, while Dave Mann finished a fine 12th after puncturing at least once on six of the eight stages. Great Britain were second team to the Brothers. team, with the USA sixth in a field of 17 teams.

The third stage team trial of 16-kilometres produced a superb performance by Great Britain, who rode like clockwork to catch the USA team off two minutes to win the stage by 20 seconds.

Tonks was third on stage four to Otorohanga outsprinted by Eric McKenzie (home in New Zealand after his Tour de France ride). Curran, after being fourth chasing a break of three on stage four, had the large crowd on its toes in the final stage over 20 laps of a 25-kilometre circuit. After Mann had taken the lap four prime, Curran took the next three after an aggressive ride when he nipped under the uplifted arms of Auckland's Eric O'Brien to steal the victory with a searing last-second sprint.

Stage 3 (Team Time Trial)

1. Great Britain (Paul Curran, John Tonks, Dave Mann and Alan Gornall)

Stage 4

1. Paul Curran (Great Britain)
2. Eric O'Brian (New Zealand)

FINAL OVERALL

1. Stephen Swart (Waiktato) 9-53-48
2. J. Tonks (GB) at 2-53
3. D. Barnett (NZ) st
4. J. Swart (NZ) at 3-06
5. S. Cox (NZ) at 3-11
6. G. Miller (NZ) at 4-43

12. D. Mann (GB)
30. P. Curran (GB).

Team: Brothers; 2 Great Britain.