The Tour of Tasmania enters an exciting new phase this year as it is incorporated into the ProVelo Super League.
The PVSL is a league-style cycling championship spread over events in five states from January to March. Effectively it is a ‘shop window’ for up and coming riders vying for a contract on a World Tour team for the big international races later in the year.
With four stages of both men’s and women’s events, this year’s Tour of Tasmania has a little bit of everything.
On Friday, riders will dash through the streets of Devonport on a criterium circuit from 6pm.
Saturday has a huge double bill with a loop road race course starting and finishing in Sheffield, then an evening time trial from Latrobe to Devonport.
The final event on Sunday is a giant climb from Deloraine up through Golden Valley towards the central plateau.
Full spectator information is here, with the races being broadcast on SBS.
SUMUP MEN’S LEAGUE
One of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious races, the Tour of Tasmania has been the crown jewel in Australian domestic racing for many years. It provides one of the few opportunities for the traditional general classification-style rider, like those you would expect in European races, to excel. The event brings out strong climbers and all-rounders.
Spanning four stages, the men’s route will favour riders who can climb, time trial and manage the complexities of rolling and narrow terrain. There is no easy way through the Tour of Tasmania and we expect to see a strong field taking to the start line this weekend.
The favourites for the general classification include Team Brennan p/b TP32’s Jack Ward, currently 2nd in the PSL overall standings. He has shown an immense climbing talent and ability to manage himself through trickier terrain such as crosswinds, especially when considering his pure climber physique. Zac Marriage (Butterfields Ziptrak Racing) put in a strong showing at the recent Melbourne to Warrnambool and will look to build on his 8th place there. The current u23 National Time Trial champion and an excellent climber, Marriage is expected to be Ward’s main competition in the general classification (GC).
In the hunt for stage wins, there are many contenders for the variety of stage profiles on offer. Current League leader Blake Agnoletto (Team Brennan p/b TP32) will be the strong favourite for the criterium and may also feature prominently in the time trial on Stage 3, especially considering the field will be on road bikes. Tali Lane Welsh (CCACHE X BODYWRAP) showed excellent form in Round 2 and will no doubt be looking to the rolling hills on Stage 2 to make the difference, with a strong chance should a select group come to the line. For the Stage 4 summit finish, no doubt the standout climber of the SA Kick-It, Ronan Teese, will look to put his excellent climbing form to good use.
More information about the Tour of Tasmania.
SBS WOMEN’S LEAGUE
The SBS Women’s League has seen strong competition at the front end of the peloton throughout the League so far and the Tour of Tasmania should be no different. With a variety of terrain across the four stages, anyone looking to take the Tour title will need to bring a wide range of skills to succeed.
The Stage 4 summit finish up the Golden Valley climb will be decisive and likely decide the GC amongst the riders in contention. League leader Talia Appleton (Praties Cycling Team) has shown remarkable versatility so far this season and with a strong team around her comes in as the number 1 favourite. Katelyn Nicholson (Butterfields Ziptrak Racing) sits only a single point behind Appleton and will have taken a strong boost of confidence following her win at the Women’s Warrnambool classic. An excellent climber and time trialist, Nicholson is expected to put in a strong showing this weekend. Nicholson’s team-mate Alli Anderson and also Alyssa Polites (Meridian Blue p/b 99 Bikes) will be riders to watch. Both possess the skill sets and ability needed to challenge for the overall win across the range of stages we will see.
A number of strong climbing specialists will also be present and look to make their mark on Stage 4 and the challenge for the overall win. Sophia Sammons (Praties Cycling Team) put in a strong performance in the SA Kick-It Stage 1 Willunga Time Trial and has been putting in the hard yards while preparing for Round 3. Hannah Gianatti (ARA Skip Capital) is a strong contender for the u19 classification, a strong climber and very capable on the tricky stages, she will be one to watch.
Two main sprinters are expected to go head-to-head in the Stage 1 criterium, Sophie Marr (Praties Cycling Team) and Keely Bennett (Meridian Blue p/b 99 Bikes). Both have shown excellent speed at the finish and bring strong teams to the Apple Isle.
