Simon Uppill and Belinda Lawford got the Australian Bushrangers tour off to a good start with second placings in the first race of the weekend in New Zealand on Saturday morning, each only being bettered by a member of the Morrison clan. Uppill was three minutes down on Ross Morrison, while – in probably her best result at senior level – Lawford led a close bunch behind runaway winner Kate Morrison.

Other Australian top-ten finishers were Evan Barr (5th), Lachlan Dow (8th), Anna Sheldon (5th), Rachel Effeney (6th) and Mace Neve (10th).

Competition continues with a sprint this afternoon before two more races tomorrow.