With stage finishes of first, second and second, nobody could deny Dylan Sunderland’s claim to the Tour of Tasmania yellow jersey.
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Just 30 laps around Devonport seafront stand between the 22-year-old Inverell product and the chance to add general classification victory to his two previous young rider category wins in an event he clearly loves.
But while Sunderland is winning the battle, Raphael Freienstein is winning the war, the Melbourne-based German’s victory on the tour’s queen stage edging him closer to the overall National Road Series crown.
On an action-packed day for the race’s most picturesque stage, 10 riders fell victim to the hazards presented by 70.5 undulating kilometres between Ulverstone and Riana.
It was a particularly tough day for the Nero KOM Financial Advice team which was obliterated by a big crash inside the first 10km.
All four teammates were among nine riders to hit the deck with Christopher Miller and Angus Calder forced to withdraw and Sam Bascombe and Alex Abell battling on but finishing outside the time limit.
In total a dozen riders were hacked off the starting field of 75 which was given scant opportunity to enjoy the sun-drenched views around Sprent, Castra and the thrilling traverse of Gunns Plains.
Freienstein (Inform Make) made good use of sprint and climbing bonuses before winning the final sprint to the line to complete the stage in an impressive average speed of 40.3km/h.
“It was a short stage but everyone had a really good crack,” said the 27-year-old NRS pacesetter.
“Because the general classification was not decided, teams put everything on the line and that opened opportunities for us.
“My teammate Stu Smith sacrificed himself to get me to Gunns Plains and I was able to get over the climb and then focus on the sprint. The last 10km was very fast and I was glad I had a couple of teammates who protected me.”
Sunderland (Bennelong Swisswellness) wasn’t counting any chickens heading into the final stage with an 11-second lead over Poatina stage winner Michael Vink (Rabble Continental), who came in fourth.
“Rabble threw everything at us today but we were able to neutralise it all and I got second,” he said.
“I got a few more seconds which is awesome because that was pretty hectic. It’ll be another hard day defending the jersey tomorrow.”
Vink’s teammate Oliver Martin is the best placed Tasmanian, in fifth.