An impressive solo performance gained New Zealand's Hayden Roulston the national champion title and Team HTC-HighRoad's first national title of the 2011 season earlier today.

Roulston crossed the finishing line in front of a huge crowd at Christchurch with a comfortable 29 second advantage over Greg Henderson and Jeremy Yates to claim the second national road race title of his career. His first was in 2006.

"I had to put in a lot of hard work today, but it all paid off at the end," a delighted Roulston commented and added "Fortunately I'm in really good shape and I was able to stay away right til the end.

"Wearing the National Champion's jersey will be a big boost to my morale all the way through the 2011 season."

Roulston staged a spectacular comeback in the 186 kilometer race by bridging across to a group of 12 leaders, attacking together with talented young rider Michael Vink with two laps to go, then taking off on his own.

"It was never going to be straightforward but I calculated my strength well and made sure I had enough energy for the last part. This is a very emotional win for me," Roulston added.