Beijing medallists clash in BikeNZ National Series in Christchurch

New Zealand's Beijing Olympic medallists will go head-to-head in the sixth round of the BikeNZ National Road Series in Christchurch this weekend.

The men's pursuit team of Hayden Roulston, Peter Latham, Jesse Sergent, Wes Gough, Sam Bewley and Mark Ryan will take part in the 80km Harbour ride tomorrow and in the New Zealand Criterium Championships around the central streets of Christchurch on Sunday. The pursuit team won bronze in Beijing while Roulston also won silver in the individual pursuit.

Latham will be the rider to watch after winning the previous round in Rotorua last weekend ahead of Gordon McCauley. This is the first time the Olympic medallists will compete against each other since Beijing.

The two events have drawn the strongest field of the season that also includes series leader Jeremy Yates, world champion Hayden Godfrey, defending national criterium champion McCauley and former Olympian Robin Reid. Tom Findlay, the under 23 series leader, competes along with runner-up Elliot Crowther .

Women's series champion Serena Sheridan will look to extend her lead but will come up against Beijing Olympians Alison Shanks and Catherine Cheatley, who won the last round in Taupo last weekend. Kaytee Boyd will try to extend on her good from from the world championships.