November 03, 2018 (New Zealand) – Canada’s James Piccoli, the defending Tour of Southland champ, put in a valiant effort to re-claim the title following a crash on Stage 3 up Coronet Peak with back-to-back victories on Stages 4 and 5 – his Bluff Hill win on the fourth stage was redemption following his fateful crash the day before. But in the end it was not enough as the talented Quebec rider finished fourth overall.

Piccoli made headlines earlier this year winning the 33rd Tour de Beauce riding for Team Canada with legendary teammate Svein Tuft, the last Canuck to win the Tour back in 2008. Piccoli ended the 10-year drought for the biggest UCI-win of his career.

Final GC

1. Michael Vink (Nzl) WPC South – Joyride Apparel 20:01:12
2. Hamish Bond (Nzl) Kia Motors/Ascot Park Hotel 0:18
3. Sam Gaze (Nzl) PowerNet 2:55
4. James Piccoli (Can) Kia Motors/Ascot Park Hotel 3:28
5. Ryan Christensen (Nzl) Kia Motors/Ascot Park Hotel 5:43