GreenEDGE-AIS cycling team leader Judith Arndt has won stage three of the Tour of New Zealand and reduced the deficit to overall race leader Kristin Armstrong.
The German star capitalised on strong team tactics to take out the bunch sprint at the end of the 121km stage from Ashhurst to Apiti.
Arndt, the defending tour champion, reduced Armstrong’s overall lead from 15 to 11 seconds with two stages left.
Arndt has started the season superbly for the new Australian team, winning the last round and the overall title at the Women’s Cup in Adelaide and then taking out the Tour of Qatar.
Fellow GreenEDGE-AIS rider Shara Gillow repeatedly went on the attack in the last few kilometres of the stage.
“The overall is the goal,” Gillow said.
“We have a strong team, and I reckon GC (general classification) is within reach.”
Arndt’s win came a day after she finished second behind Australian Loren Rowney in stage two.