HOME-GROUND advantage could be about to kick in as the Tour of Tasmania cycle race holds its final road stage around Launceston today.
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Legana’s former Tour de France rider Wes Sulzberger has become increasingly threatening through the six-day race’s 487 competitive kilometres and believes the 93km stage to Grindelwald could prove decisive.
An untimely mechanical in the final sprint thwarted the 28-year-old at Penguin on Thursday, and after bagging a podium finish at George Town on Friday he is hopeful of continuing the trend on some more familiar terrain.
‘‘It was nice knowing the roads and being able to tell the guys what was coming up and how steep the climbs were,’’ said Sulzberger (Navatis) after finishing third behind Queenslander Dan Fitter (Charter Mason) and German Michael Schweizer (African Wildlife Safaris).
‘‘I did not feel as good as yesterday when I had a perfect lead out but had a mechanical in the sprint. That was really disappointing because I knew the finish well, my brother Bernie had finished second there last year and I really thought I had it. But a podium today makes up a bit for it.’’
Less than half a second separates Ben Hill (Charter Mason) and Brad Evans (Pat’s Veg) on general classification with Sulzberger sitting 14th, 17 seconds down, after a circuit through his old stamping ground of Flowery Gully.
But with Launceston’s Tom Robinson showing the benefit of home-state knowledge by helping his teammates to win the stage and lead the race, Sulzberger is keen to do the same in front of mum Linda, dad Michael and sister Grace.
‘‘It’s great to come back and race this. Last year was great to be able to do it with my brother, and this year Dad’s in the lead car, so I have to stay at the front so he can see me.
‘‘I need to have a good one up to Grindelwald. They are my home roads, so I hope I can stay up there.’’