Josh Duffy has collected the second major wheel win of his young career, triumphing in the 2018 Launceston Wheel with a record-setting time.
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The 18-year-old Tasmanian Institute of Sport rider came into the event with strong form already this season, and showed his Devonport Wheel win in 2016 was no fluke with a superb performance from his mark of 120 metres.
With scratchemen Sam Welsford and Kelland O’Brien far enough away, Duffy settled down for a battle with Victorian Graeme Frislie on the final lap, and proved too strong down the final stretch.
Duffy’s winning time of 1:56.80 smashed the race record time of 1:59.46, set by Luke Roberts back in 1993.
”The boys set me up well heading into the final lap so I always knew I was in with a shot of winning,” Duffy said.
“I just didn’t know how quick the guys from the back were coming – it’s always a bit nervous going into the last lap fearing that you might get swamped, but it ended up being alright.
“I’ve come into the carnivals with decent form this season – I just come off a win at Rosebery and then I won the George Town Wheel as well before that.
“I had a good mark tonight so I knew I was in with a chance.
“Devonport was the breakthrough win but you always want to win on your home track.”
The final appeared headed to the backmarkers once again after Welsford and O’Brien quickly caught up to those in front to form a potent group of six riders.
But the bunch of middle-markers, which included Duffy, quickly swallowed up those in front and maintained a strong pace heading into the closing stages, with Duffy and Frislie the only two remaining at the bell.
“Getting the front guys organised was the key – it always makes it easier,” Duffy said.
“I was confident I had the legs heading into the final lap to get the job done.
“We thought we were going pretty quick, but didn’t think it would be enough to set a new race record.”