A year after crashing on the final corner within sight of the veterans’ classic finish line, Mark Padgett redeemed himself with victory.

And after falling foul of the same fate in last year’s race ultimately won by Colin Locke, teammate Scott Murchison will be looking to bounce back on November 11.

The race forms part of the popular support program to the Stan Siejka Launceston Classic. While the elite masters is for A-grade riders, the vets’ classic is for all others with Shaw taking over its sponsorship and hoping to equal last year’s contribution of eight riders. 

“I became a partner in Shaw Contracting about five years ago and this is a perfect fit,” said the company’s Winton Mahar.

“It makes it such a spectacle because everyone gets to see the whole thing unfold as we go up that hill 20-odd times and when we stop we pile into the VIP area to watch the best riders in Australia throwing it down.

​”Launceston is just blessed with talented cyclists and for an old bloke like me to be able to challenge himself is what I really enjoy.”

However, the 47-year-old father-of-two is limiting his expectations on the 1.1-kilometre circuit around City Park which includes the Lawrence Street climb and Brisbane Street’s peanut roundabout.

“I’m yet to make it to the finish. I blew up early last year and will probably do the same again this year but I just love the challenge.”

In addition to Mahar, Padgett and Murchison, the team includes Paul McKenzie, Steve Brown, Joel Cooper, Adrian Adams, Ben Mather, Shaun Probert and Rob King. Entry details can be found at: www.launcestoncyclingfestival.org