Lawson Homes sprinter Josh Clark took the biggest win of his career after finishing over the top of Hobart’s Jacob Langham as the B grader held off the A grade big guns in one of the states most prestigious and richest cycling races.
The fourth edition of this annual 70km race offered a blustery southerly wind to make things tough on a course already offering plenty of leg sapping hills over the four laps of the Rosevears and Bradys Lookout course before the final climbs to Legana. To finish you off, the final climb to Grindelwald, has an 18 degree pinch towards the top.
The Rosevears waterfront section heading north is a well ridden training area for many a Launceston cyclist. With a strong tailwind, speeds of 51kmph were reported along the flat and winding road.
There were plenty of opportunities to get amongst the generous $4000 prize money with intermediate sprints offered at the Brady’s Lookout check point on the first few laps. The sprints were enjoyed by a large crowd, who took advantage of the great viewing, supporting riders who were winding up 300m from the check point to take some sprint glory.
On the final lap (C),(D) and (E) all came together with (B) at 51 seconds and (A) a further 27 seconds in arrears. With some climbing to go, it looked as if the backmarkers were going to pull it back.
“On the way down from Legana we could see them coming (A grade). A few of the guys attacked (B grade), so I followed wheels. Lofty (Peter Loft) caught us at the start of the last climb.” stated a beaming Clark after the race. The final climb to Grindelwald is steep and sorted out those who had spent their legs earlier. “As soon as I passed the second guy (Jacob Langham) over the top of the hill, I thought this is it. I can sprint, and hold on for the win. I’m pretty happy with it!”
Josh Clark enjoys the spoils of victory
Any win in a graded race can rely on the group working together with Clarke making mention of fellow Lawson Homes rider Tim Elmer who did his share of work for Clarke during the race.
Results are as follows:
Across the line: 1-J Clark, 2-J Langham, 3-N Hinkley, 4-J Butler, 5-G Evans, 6-I Probert
A Grade: 1-M.Nicholson, 2-L Ockerby, 3-D Pulbrook
B Grade: 1-J Clark, 2-N. Hinkley, 3-N Horsley
C Grade: 1-J Langham, 2-J Butler, 3-G Evans
D Grade: 1-T Probert, 2- B Bennett, 3-J Duggan
E Grade: 1-S Muir, 2-M Laughlan, 3- R Butorac
Full results will be available at cycling tasmania
More amateur photo’s can be found at tas endurance facebook.
