HOBART star Alex Hunt produced a clinical performance on the opening day of the 2016 Freycinet Challenge on Saturday to leave him in a commanding position.
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The reigning men’s champion and pre-race favourite ran the first 16.6 kilometre leg in one hour, 14 minutes and nine seconds and finished the 100.7-km course in a total 4:40.43.9.
Hunt is more than 34 minutes clear off both James Reid (5.15:19.3) and Ian Parker (5.15:26.3) with day two to come.
“Hunt just cleaned up, he is just as strong as – it’s absolutely unbelievable,” race organiser Tim Saul said.
“I don’t think I have ever seen somebody so fast, he is matching it with the teams.
“Campbell Flakemore clocked 70km/h on the return of the road bike.”
Launceston’s Sally Alps completed the day in 6.07:52.8 to lead the women, while Hurt Locker (4.21:40.5) are just 2.49 better off than the second placed Bike Ride.
Windy weather is is expected to make going tough for competitors on Sunday.