2015 New Zealand Cycle Classic winner Taylor Gunman added an Oceania title to his growing resume, which also includes the 2014 New Zealand time trial national crown.

The 23-year-old took out the 140 kilometre road race solo, after the breakaway group he was a part of for 120 kilometres were never caught by the rest of the field.

“I’m pretty happy, it won’t really sink in for a little while,” said Gunman.

“The style that this was won in, solo, is quite a personal achievement.

“I could tell that I had looked after myself really well and when I wanted to put the power down I only had to do one effort and it took me all the way to the line.”

The victory was the only Oceania title won by New Zealand over the weekend and comes in the first year Gunman's continental team Avanti Racing have registered in the country.

“It’s cool to get it for a New Zealand team, and to do it for [Sport Director] Andrew [Christie-Johnson]  who supported me all last year and my teammates is even more special.”

Breakaway companions Jordan Kerby (AUS/Drapac Cycling) finished 20 seconds behind Gunman to clinch silver while Daniel Barry (NZL/Budget Forklifts) rounded out the podium 33 seconds in arrears.

Gunman formed part of the day's only breakaway at the 18 kilometre mark, which included Kerby, Barry, Edwards, Sam Horgan (NZL/Budget Forklifts) and Cameron Wurf (AUS/Cannondale).

“We knew the politics were going to be interesting because we had two Budget Forklifts and one Drapac rider with us. Whether or not the teams were going to be happy with that we weren’t too sure so we had to play it safe the whole way,” said Gunman.

The group maintained a steady two and a half minute lead before a crash caused a major split in the field.

Drapac Professional Cycling applied the pressure catching most of the peloton unawares and resulting in five groups on the road.

However as the race came the pointy end, the chase was called off and all teams put their faith in the riders in the breakaway.

“I’m quite disappointed, I definitely thought I could of won that one today but it didn’t pan out the way id hoped,” said Kerby. “It was a good ride by Taylor, I shouldn’t of let him go but he slipped away, it was a complete tactical error on my behalf.”

In the race for the under 23 honours, David Edwards was fifth across the line to claim gold while Gunman’s teammate and fellow countryman Fraser Gough clinched silver, 13th place overall.

Mudgee’s Ayden Toovey finished 14th overall to win bronze in the category.

“I can’t believe it, it’s incredible,” said Edwards. “It means a lot to my family and my friends, they would understand it’s a really big victory for me and for for CharterMason who put their faith in me.

“I’m pretty happy with my ride. When I saw the move go and there was one rider from all the big teams I knew it was the right place to be.

“I didn’t count my chickens before they hatched and even with one lap to go it was still up in the air if we would stay away, so I was trying to conserve until the end,” said Edwards.