Victorious start for WAIS Cyclists
2013 got off to a great start as WAIS cyclists Luke Durbridge and Melissa Hoskins, both delivered wins in Portarlington, at the Mitchelton bay Cycling Classic.
WAIS cyclist, Luke Durbridge, rode an aggressive race yesterday to win the elite men’s criterium on the second day of racing at the Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic. Following the first sprint lap, he attacked the group and stood alone for almost 20 minutes.
“I attacked myself silly at the start,” said Durbridge. “Inside the final two laps, I thought that I might have gone too hard too early. I didn’t think I’d get the win. I went for it with one lap to go and ended up staying away.”
“After he was caught, he almost immediately attacked again,” said Sport Director Matt Wilson. “Eventually, a three rider breakaway formed that lasted until the finish.”
Durbridge launched one final attack on the bell lap to win the race, which marks an improvement to his second place finish in Portarlington last year.
“This is a super hard course with a solid climb,” noted Durbridge. “This type of racing suits me. The sprinters had their day yesterday around the hot dog while I struggled. Today was one for riders like me.”
WAIS cyclist Melissa Hoskins moved into the series lead after winning the small group sprint for second after the Portarlington Criterium.
After starting the day two points down on stage one winner Kimberley Wells (Specialized Securitor), all Hoskins needed to do was finish seventh place or higher to move into the leading jersey.
“After the first intermediate sprint, Mel and Gracie (Elvin) formed a two-rider breakaway between Tiff and the peloton,” said Sport Director David McPartland. “By the time the second intermediate sprint rolled around, Mel and Gracie were in an eight rider move. Shara (Gillow) eventually bridged across to give us three riders in that group. Kim didn’t make the selection, so we only needed Mel to finish seventh place or higher to move into the leader’s jersey.”
Hoskins skillfully won the sprint for second and with one race left in the three day series, she maintains a strong seven point advantage over Peta Mullens (Anytime Fitness Trek) in second.
Both Hoskins and Durbridge will race today in the third and final day of the Mitchelton Cycling classic in Williamstown.