• Josh Burnett dominates Remarkables climb, claiming Tour of Southland lead.
  • Local rider leads by 48 seconds before Bluff Hill stage.
  • Team effort boosts Burnett’s climb to overall victory contention.

Josh Burnett has taken control of the Tour of Southland, winning the prestigious Queen Stage with a commanding performance on the challenging Remarkables climb. The 24-year-old local favourite, representing Creation Signs-MitoQ-NZ Cycling Project, now leads the race by 48 seconds ahead of the iconic Bluff Hill stage.

Burnett’s preparation proved key, as he spent weeks practising lonely ascents on the 10km Remarkables access road in all weather conditions. “It’s pretty special to get another win on the Remarks, especially this high up,” he said. “I’ve worked really hard on my long climbing … so the hard work has paid off.”

Trailing Bailey O’Donnell (Holmes Solutions) by 31 seconds at the start of the day, Burnett overcame the deficit with a smart and measured climb. Riding alongside Daniel Whitehouse (Quality Foods Southland), he broke away from the peloton before powering ahead to finish 32 seconds ahead of Matthew Wilson (Advanced Personnel Cycling), with Whitehouse taking third.

Australian rider Aiden Sinclair (Business South) claimed the Most Combative jersey after an early lead on the climb, while Declan Trezise (Transport Engineering Southland-Deep South) extended his under-23 classification lead. Southland’s Luke Macpherson (Macaulay Ford-GoodTech) holds the top spot in the over-35 category.

Meanwhile, O’Donnell, despite losing the orange jersey, continues to lead the Sprint Ace classification, while Burnett also tops the King of the Mountain standings. Burnett’s Creation Signs-MitoQ-NZ Cycling Project team took over the lead in the teams classification, highlighting a well-rounded performance.

Reflecting on his new position in the race, Burnett said: “It might sound weird that it’s almost better to take the lead now rather than on the first day … We’ve got some super strong guys in this team who could all have a good shot at the GC or compete for stage wins.”

Looking ahead to the 154km stage from Invercargill to Bluff, Burnett remains focused. “We go past my house twice…It’s where I grew up cycling on the mountainbiking tracks. I know there will be lots of friends and family out there, and it’s the one that I haven’t won and I really want to win.”

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