Sam Gaze and Racquel Sheath crowned 2018 New Zealand criterium champions
	November 24th 2018         Sam Gaze wins the men's criterium national title. Photo: Scotty T Photography           Mountain Bike star Sam Gaze was again in unbeatable form on the road as he sprinted to the defence of his title ahead of track star Campbell Stewart and Sam Dobbs from a three rider break. Making his intentions clear early in the race Gaze broke away solo before allowing Stewart and Dobbs to join him, with the two track riders adding to the strength of the move. "It's surprising because I've only been back in training four weeks including a lap of the South and I wasn't expecting too much. But it's good when the legs turn out well and I love racing in front of so many fans here in Takapuna," said Gaze. "With the performance in Southland and now this, I am perfectly on track. Things are looking better than I could have hoped. My coach may not be so happy that I went so hard today but it's impossible to sit back when you can race in an event like this here in Takapuna." Men's Podium 1 Sam Gaze 2 Campbell Stewart 3 Sam Dobbs In the women's race a bold solo attack by track superstar Michaela Drummond appeared to have caught the field by surprised as she made her move with just over two laps to go. A late surge from the peloton caught Drummond within 20 metres of the line allowing track teammate Racquel Sheath to snare a second crown, having won two years ago. Second went to Georgia Danford with Oceania road champion Sharlotte Lucas completing the podium. "That was amazing. It means a lot to me to win that. It means I can race in the New Zealand jersey next year," explained an excited Sheath. "It was the highest quality that I have ever raced in New Zealand which makes the win all that more special. When I saw the start list I knew it was going to be a bloody hard race and it was." Women's Podium 1 Racquel Sheath 2 Georgia Danford 3 Sharlotte Lucas