Tour of New Zealand 2008    (UCI 2.2)

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Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce) dominated the stage 5 individual time trial, completing the 6.5km course in a time of 9 minutes 38 seconds. Her team mate Karin Thürig finished in second place just 10 seconds behind her. Team High Road’s Oenone Wood rounded out the top 3 with a time of 9 minutes 50 seconds.

Armstrong’s win placed her 23 seconds up on General Classification going into the final stage a Criterium in the centre of Wellington city centre.

Amanda Spratt (AIS) was the fastest of the U23 riders completing the course in a time of 10 minutes 20 seconds.

Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce) was really pleased with her performance in the time trial. “I wanted to make sure that the yellow leader jersey stayed with me today and the team. The pressure was really on for me to perform, not in a bad way but I knew I had to put my game face on. It is a different feeling and pressure today and I knew I had to focus” said Armstrong.

Armstrong chatted about the final stage, “This afternoon should be a good race. Great for the sponsors of the teams and of course I want to win the yellow jersey for my sponsors Cervelo-Lifeforce” added Armstrong.

Karin Thürig (Cervelo-Lifeforce) held first place for a long time but was very happy to hand over to her team mate Armstrong. “1^st and 2^nd is good, very good” said Thürig as she and her team celebrated the win.

Oenone Wood (Team High Road) rode strongly today but could not match the pace of Armstrong round the course. “It was pretty difficult out there today” said Wood. “I don’t weigh very much so I was getting buffeted around in the wind” she added.

Wood was asked if there was still a chance for her to win the overall and she added, “23 seconds is very difficult for the team but this is bike racing and anything can happen.”