But for a crash on the final corner in 2016, Padgett could have won three straight versions of the race for A-grade masters.

The multi-sport specialist broke away with fellow former winner George Hyde, of Launceston, and Hobart triathlete Hayden Armstrong midway through the 30-minute plus two-lap duration.

Up against two of Richie Porte’s Tasmanian training partners, the diminutive Padgett took advantage of his smaller body by attacking on the final climb to secure the win before celebrating with mum Kathy, wife Louise and daughters Olivia, 8, Emily, 7, and Chloe, 2.

“That was really hot out there so I can hardly talk and that’s unusual for me,” said the 40-year-old.

“I was a bit nervous because my teammates were back in the bunch but I thought I’d better go with those two. I foxed it a little but I love that hill so always wanted to hit them on the climb.”

The masters race, for B-grade riders and below, saw Scott Schilg dominate over 25 minutes and two laps.

Also a Launceston 40-year-old father-of-three, Schilg broke away early and coasted to victory over Northern Vets clubmates Matthew Bernal and last year’s winner Colin Locke.

“That was hot and tough,” Schilg said. “There were a few guys in the bunch so I went off the front and no-one wanted to chase.

“Once I got away I could actually enjoy it. It’s the third time I’ve done this race. I’m a bit of a hill-climber so don’t mind that hill. I’m really happy to win that and will be back again next year.”

The women’s race was run in conjunction with the masters and saw Northern Vets’ Kathryn Woolston victorious over Hobart’s Jessie Sawyer with Exeter’s Catelyn Turner third in her first year as a senior.

The festival continued its production line of promising future elite riders in the junior races.

Hamish McKenzie, of Northern Districts, won the junior men’s 17s race having been part of a lead group throughout the 15 minutes and two laps before outsprinting Burnie pair Lachlan Spurr and Dalton Stretton.

“That was really hard,” McKenzie said. “It was warm out there and just getting up that hill every lap was painful.

“It was pretty fast and you’re just trying to recover from the hill every lap.”

The 14-year-old St Patrick’s College student had competed twice before but was making the step up to 17s.

“It’s probably my favourite race so it’s pretty special to win it. I’d like to ride nationally eventually but just want to keep winning local races.”

Samuel McKee won the men’s 15s race from Launceston City clubmate Kaden Adams with Burnie’s Hayden Van Der Ploeg third.

Mersey Valley’s Eugenie O’Rourke put aside disappointing numbers in the junior women’s races to claim the 17s’ title from Launceston’s Zoe Wright with Burnie’s Caitlin Spurr winning the 15s.