Burnett Secures Third Tour of Southland Title

Cambridge cyclist Matthew Wilson delivered a standout performance in the individual time trial to win stage seven of the rescheduled 2025 SBS Bank Tour of Southland.

Wilson, riding for the Advanced Personnel Cycling Team, clocked 15 minutes 48 seconds on the 13km Winton course. Logan Currie (Open Country-TES) followed in second with 15:52, and race leader Josh Burnett (PowerNet) took third in 15:57.

The wet and windy conditions didn’t slow Wilson, who had been narrowly beaten by Burnett in both the Remarkables and Bluff Hill stages earlier in the week. His strong effort brought him within just 10 seconds of Burnett ahead of the final stage.

The last leg of the tour was a 77km ride from Invercargill to Winton, taking place under increasingly difficult weather. The stage, run on the Waikiwi circuit also used during the national criterium champs earlier in the tour, saw riders battle heavy rain and gusty winds.

Despite the pressure, Burnett stayed composed. He finished in the main bunch alongside Wilson, ensuring his overall lead remained intact. Southland’s Nick Kergozou, a national track endurance rider, took the final stage win.

With the result, Burnett secured his third SBS Bank Tour of Southland title, delighting local fans and underlining his strength in challenging conditions.