- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Caleb Ewan’s withering sprint on Friday night blew away his rivals and any doubts about his status in the Bay Classic cycling series.
The defending champion’s opening-round win emphatically showed he is again the man to beat in the series.
Ewan and fellow Orica-GreenEDGE rider Jack Haig were outnumbered, with teammate Alex Edmondson unable to start because of a broken bike part.
But Haig worked superbly for Ewan and then the rising star unleashed a long-range sprint on the final lap at Geelong’s Ritchie Boulevard to secure the win.
It was Ewan’s first race since last September, when he won a stage of the Tour of Spain.
Ewan said in the leadup to the Mitchelton Bay Classic that he was unsure about his form for the shorter criterium races.
He called Friday night’s win a massive relief.
It was an ideal start to the year for the Australian Orica-GreenEDGE team, with their women’s team Orica-AIS also dominating the opening round.
Gracie Elvin wanted to set up teammate Sarah Roy for the final sprint, but she ended up winning and fellow Orica-AIS rider Lizzie Williams was second.
The series continues on Saturday afternoon at Geelong’s Eastern Beach circuit.
Defending women’s series champion Chloe Hosking will race after sitting out the first race.
Hosking will only race in the second and third races as she prepares for next week’s Australian road championships.
Fancy a wager on your favourite sport? Head on over to PlayUp for great odds and friendly customer service and pick a winner. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.