The 2013 edition of the Vital Signs Tour de Lakes started in beautifully fine, blustery conditions in Bannockburn this afternoon with the traditional 5 kilometre Prologue time trial to Cromwell.
Scott Thomas claimed first blood in A grade, cutting out the distance in 7:15 to claim victory by a solitary second over impressive Under 19 rider Liam Aitcheson of Alexandra. Brad Evans finish third, a further two seconds adrift.
B grade was won by Glenn Gould in 7:33, 14 seconds clear of Michael White with John McKenzie claiming third, while Scott Molina took out C grade in front of Harrison Steedman and Andrew Lienert.
No surprises to see Linda Villumsen atop the Women's Grade leaderboard, 16 seconds clear of Laura Fairweather, with Gabby Vermunt in third.
Racing starts in earnest on Saturday with the morning stage covering 80 kilometres for A and B Grades from the Remarkables to Five Rivers, while C Grade and the Women cover 45 kilometres, starting at Kingston.
The afternoon stage is 80 kilometres for all grades, from Five Rivers to Manapouri.
For full results and more information click here.