Tour of Tasmania Preview | SumUp Men’s League
The Tour of Tasmania, one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious races, has long been the crown jewel of domestic cycling, offering a rare opportunity for pure general classification riders to shine across four gruelling stages that demand strength in climbing, time trialling, and handling unpredictable terrain.
One of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious races, the Tour of Tasmania has been the crown jewel in Australian domestic racing for many years. It provides one of the few opportunities for the traditional general classification-style rider, like those you would expect in European races, to excel. The event brings out strong climbers and all-rounders.
Spanning four stages, the men’s route will favour riders who can climb, time trial and manage the complexities of rolling and narrow terrain. There is no easy way through the Tour of Tasmania and we expect to see a strong field taking to the start line this weekend.
The favourites for the general classification include Team Brennan p/b TP32’s Jack Ward, currently 2nd in the PSL overall standings. He has shown an immense climbing talent and ability to manage himself through trickier terrain such as crosswinds, especially when considering his pure climber physique. Zac Marriage (Butterfields Ziptrak Racing) put in a strong showing at the recent Melbourne to Warrnambool and will look to build on his 8th place there. The current u23 National Time Trial champion and an excellent climber, Marriage is expected to be Ward’s main competition in the GC.
In the hunt for stage wins, there are many contenders for the variety of stage profiles on offer. Current League leader Blake Agnoletto (Team Brennan p/b TP32) will be the strong favourite for the criterium and may also feature prominently in the time trial on Stage 3, especially considering the field will be on road bikes. Tali Lane Welsh (CCACHE X BODYWRAP) showed excellent form in Round 2 and will no doubt be looking to the rolling hills on Stage 2 to make the difference, with a strong chance should a select group come to the line. For the Stage 4 summit finish, no doubt the standout climber of the SA Kick-It, Ronan Teese, will look to put his excellent climbing form to good use.
