News

Marr Takes Lead in SBS Women’s League, Ward Edges Out Victory in SumUp Men’s League!

After an intense and hard-fought weekend of racing in Round 3 of the ProVelo Super League both the SBS Women's and SumUp Men's League is heating up, the road to the World Tour is more competitive than ever!

SBS Women’s League

After an intense and hard-fought weekend of racing in Round 3 of the ProVelo Super League, Sophie Marr (Praties Cycling Team) has claimed the lead in the SBS Women’s League. With 352 points, she has overtaken her teammate Talia Appleton, who now sits second with 278 points. Katelyn Nicholson (Butterfields Ziptrak Racing) drops to third with 252 points.

Marr’s rise to the top sets the stage for a thrilling battle for the Liv AlUla Jayco Continental contract, awarded to the winner of the U23 classification. While Appleton had been the frontrunner early on, and most eyes were on her as the likely League champion, Marr has shown remarkable versatility. She finished second in the criterium, won the road race, took third in the time trial, and earned an impressive second place atop the challenging Golden Valley climb.

Now, Praties Cycling Team finds themselves in a unique situation, a “nice problem to have” as both Marr and Appleton fight for the overall title. How the team manages this rivalry moving forward will be crucial, especially with so much at stake in the road to the World Tour. One thing is certain; neither Marr nor Appleton will give up easily, and this competition will only heat up in the coming rounds.

SumUp Men’s League

The men’s competition saw a nail-biting finish, with red-hot favorite Jack Ward (Team Brennan p/b TP32) taking the Tour of Tasmania title by the narrowest of margins, just a single second ahead of Zac Marriage (Butterfields Ziptrak Racing). Ward’s victory, combined with his dominance in the jersey classifications, has extended his lead at the top of the overall League standings with 360 points. He is followed by teammate Blake Agnoletto in second (256 points) and Marriage, who moves up to third with 233 points.

Despite Ward’s commanding position in the League overall and in the race for the Jayco AlUla stagiaire contract, the competition at the top is far from decided. Ward has announced that he will miss the Round 5 Grafton to Inverell, presenting an opportunity for Marriage to close the gap. Though Ward has consistently had the edge over Marriage in the League so far, it’s important to remember that we are only halfway through the calendar, and this rivalry is far from over.

Much like in the SBS Women’s League, a fierce battle is emerging at the top for the overall title. Both Ward and Marriage are eyeing the League victory with fierce intensity, knowing the impact the stagiaire contract could have on their careers. As the season progresses, it’s likely the overall win will come down to the wire over the final rounds.