Agnoletto takes commanding sprint win after crosswinds wreak havoc in Melbourne to Warrnambool
Blake Agnoletto claimed a commanding victory after a gruelling, wind-swept race, out-sprinting a select lead group that included past winners, while early breakaways and late attacks shaped an intense battle along the Great Ocean Road.
The riders set off under brisk, windy conditions at Avalon Airport, with the peloton largely intact as they rolled along the Princes Freeway. Terence Hore (Team Duda) and Tim Cutler (Team Royal Bikes) established the early breakaway, looking to get a head start before the expected crosswinds on the roads into Colac.
They maintained their advantage until the 185 km mark, setting up an exciting 80km finale as attacks started flying from the peloton. Team Brennan’s Oliver Bleddyn launched a solo move and established a small margin, but it was short lived. As the crosswinds along the Great Ocean Road began thinning the field, the race favourites emerged at the front.
A lead group formed in the wind containing three past winners - Mark O’Brien (Trappist), Tristan Saunders (Team Brennan), and Cameron Scott (CCACHE X BODYWRAP) - showing the value of experience in the challenging conditions. Behind them, Brendon Davids and Jack Ward (Team Brennan) chased hard from the second group on the road but couldn’t bridge the gap.
As the leaders entered the final 10km, O’Brien attacked, trying to repeat his solo win from the previous year. He was joined by Hamish McKenzie and Blake Agnoletto, who appeared to be aiming to rid himself of his main threat in Cameron Scott, but they couldn’t find the separation they needed and the lead group came to the finish together.
Coming into Raglan Parade, Agnoletto launched first from the front. Scott surged to follow, but was unable to close the gap, McKenzie stood up to sprint, but resigned to Scott’s wheel. There was little the group could do to stop Agnoletto as he took a commanding win after a gruelling day.
Agnoletto was in disbelief at the finish line and expressed his relief, thanking the team saying “the team, we wanted this win so bad. it was the most amazing team ride…I can’t believe it”
POWERCOR MELBOURNE TO WARRNAMBOOL CYCLING CLASSIC RESULTS
SUMUP MEN'S LEAGUE
- Blake Agnoletto (Team Brennan p/b TP32)
- Cameron Scott (CCACHE X BODYWRAP)
- Hamish McKenzie (Individual)
U23
- Hamish McKenzie (Individual)
- Jack Ward (Team Brennan p/b TP32)
- Zachary Marriage (Butterfields Ziptrak Racing)
