The Southland skinsuit will again be prominent at the Calder Stewart Elite Road Championships in Christchurch next month.
After last year's historic double success in the elite men's and women's races by Cycling Southland and Central Otago-Wakatipu club members James Williamson and Nicky Samuels, a total of 9 southern riders will contest the 2013 titles from January 11 to 13.
Kylie Young and Gabby Vermunt will ride the Women's Elite Time Trial with the small ten-strong field headlined by Olympian Linda Villumsen.
Young will back up to ride the road race over 119.5km and will be joined by Sophie Williamson who is enjoying a string of impressive results, including her most recent series win in the New South Wales Grand Prix.
Older brother James will defend his title, won in fine style 12 months ago. By his own admission, this year's Nationals are less of a focus for him this year, with his primary focus to deliver strong results for his new team, Node 4-Subaru in the UK.
He will wear 1 as his race number as defending champion in what should be a fascinating race with all seven of New Zealand's Pro Tour riders lining up on the start-line along with Southlander James Canny riding for L&M Group Racing.
Pieter Bulling, Matt Zenovich and Tom Vessey will ride the 182 kilometre race as Under 23s while clubmate Bradley Tuhi will also contest the event for Benchmark Homes.
Zenovich will be the sole Southland time trialler over the 40km distance.
For full infomation visit elitenationals.co.nz.