Defending champion Hayden Roulston will not be able to target a record-equalling fifth New Zealand Road Race title after he took his name off the start list. 

The winner of the Silver Fern jersey in 2006, 2011, 2013 and 2014 will not ride after receiving a late call-up to ride the Tour Down Under with his Trek Factory Racing team.

That means the 33 year old joins fellow WorldTour pros Greg Henderson and Jack Bauer in missing the race. Gerorge Bennett, Sam Bewley and Jesse Sergent will all still ride for their respective WorldTour team.

This tips the balance of the race in the favour of Avanti Pro Cycling, the New Zealand team who will ride for Patrick Bevin and Aussie NRS winner Joe Cooper.

The race is on Sunday and is 12 laps in total for 183.7km, starting with the usual full lap on the flat before 10 circuits up the Dyers Pass climb and a final flat lap to the finish.