Pipped to the line by Campbell Town’s Will Clarke in Latrobe 12 months ago, Grasmann made sure there would be no repeat in Westbury last night although he had an unorthodox explanation for choosing to break away with two laps of the picturesque 1.3-kilometre circuit left.

‘‘I thought we had one lap to go, not two, therefore it was lucky I am on the podium today,’’ said the six-day specialist, who netted $1000 for his troubles.

Watched by a healthy crowd, Grasmann led home Clarke and Queenslander Jacob Restall having been part of a  six-man breakaway which featured three Australians, Czech Martin Hacecky and Japan’s Eiya Hashimoto.

The 33-year-old winner, who dominated last year’s inaugural series,  explained how his victory was built on a Christmas Day meal at McDonald’s before paying a heartfelt tribute to his favourite Australian state.

‘‘Tasmania is one of the nicest places in the world and it’s always a pleasure to be here.

‘‘We went on a long training loop yesterday and Martin was amazed by how beautiful the island is. It’s just wonderful to have four seasons in one day here and the hills and all the lovely colours. You are lucky that nobody knows about it.’’

As the mid-race break threatened to take a lap, officials pulled out the rest of the field before Grasmann, multiple track world champ Jack Bobridge, Hashimoto and finally Grasmann again each tried to break away.

Reaping the benefit of some solid pre-season training with former Tasmanian teammate Richie Porte and his Team Sky leader Chris Froome, Clarke said he was disappointed to be missing the remainder of the series to attend a Drapac camp in Victoria.

‘‘That was a really nice hitout and I love racing here,’’ he said.

‘‘It was a bit of a poker game at the end there. I knew there were still two laps to go but Christian hit hard and is in a strong position to defend his title.

‘‘There was a bit of deja vu from what happened last year but it was much closer then. He had a clear win tonight. He’s a smart rider and will be tough to beat this week.’’

Clarke said he will ride the road nationals, Tour Down Under, Herald Sun Tour and Oceania championships before heading overseas to race a similar program to last year including the tours of Azerbaijan and Japan.

Third-placed Restall claimed the lead in the series sprint classification and received a celebratory kiss from girlfriend Macey Stewart, Devonport’s triple junior world champion who he will be supporting through this week’s carnival series.

‘‘It’s the first time I’ve been here for a bit of a holiday and I’m really enjoying it,’’ said the Gold Coast 20-year-old. ‘‘I could see myself coming back for sure.’’

The Criterium Cup continues at Ulverstone on Monday before further races at Burnie and Sheffield.

The carnivals series starts at Launceston Silverdome tonight.