Sophie Edwards (Butterfields Ziptrack Racing) has again etched her name in the Australian cycling history books, winning the Warrnambool Women’s Classic for a second time, while Josh Beikoff (RCA Bikes Online) was the surprise victor of the men's race defying the odds to win from the breakaway.
Warrnambool Women’s Classic
After first her first victory on Raglan Parade in 2013, Sophie Edwards once again found herself raising her hands in celebration as she was first to cross the line after the 157km race from Colac to Warrnambool.
Butterfields Ziptrak Racing were first to take charge in the windy conditions, with defending champion Katelyn Nicholson applying the pressure on the front of the peloton.
As the field began to split, each of the major teams were represented t the front of the race and happy to continue with the effort.
On the run into Warrnambool, the front group started attacking each other relentlessly as it became clear the next victor of the Lochard Energy Women's Warrnambool Classic would come from this group.
With no one managing to get away, the group of eight came into Raglan Parade to contest the finish on the iconic final straight.
Alyssa Polites (Meridian Bikebug) launched early with Keira Will (Team Redcat) locked onto the wheel, before Sophie Edwards (Butterfields Ziptrak Racing) blasted through to take another win.
Sophia Sammons finished in 7th place and remains in the ProVelo Super League leader's jersey.,
Podium:
1. Sophie Edwards – Butterfields Ziptrak Racing
2. Keira Will – Team Redcat
3. Alyssa Polites – Meridian Bikebug
Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic
Brisbane's Josh Beikoff was in complete disbelief at what he had achieved after the finish line as he gave his team a monumental win in their first ProVelo Super League season.
Beikoff was part of the the early break, which at one point had an advantage of 13 minutes over the main peloton.
As fatigue set in amongst the breakaway riders, Beikoff formed a select trio with Oliver Stenning (Falcons Pedal Mafia Racing) and Kevin Biffeger, who worked together to hold off the chasing group all the way to to Raglan Parade in Warrnambool.
On the approach to the finish line, Biffeger ran out of legs as the sprint opened.
Stenning led out early and looked strong, storming towards the line but within the final 50 metres his legs began to seize as Beikoff was starting to come around. The two came over the line in unison, separated by only a matter of centimetres with Beikoff taking a thrilling victory.
Levi Hone (Team Brennan_) finished in the main field and holds onto the ProVelo Super League leaders jersey into round 4.
𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘂𝗺:
1. Josh Beikoff - RCA Bikesonline
2. Oliver Stenning - Falcons Pedal Mafia Racing
3. Kevin Biffiger - Logan City Cycling Club
See the full results here.
The next stop of the ProVelo Super League is the Harbour City GP this weekend.
Watch ProVelo Super League here.