Tom Sexton is relishing the challenge of having international riders on cycling's Tour of Southland

The 25-year-old won stage three in Te Anau - pipping Japanese cyclist Shunsuke Imamura at the finish.

Sexton says the tour is beneficial for all involved.



Stage four's 112-kilometre trek from Mossburn to The Remarkables starts at 10:30.

Bailey O'Donnell currently holds the leader's orange jersey.