The re-introduced sprint series at Tasmanian Christmas Carnival series has attracted its first major entry.
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A 12-strong contingent of Victorian Institute of Sport riders will take part in competition during the Launceston, Latrobe, Devonport and Burnie carnivals, coached by Australian cycling great Shane Kelly and carnivals favourite Glenn O'Shea.
Kelly is the sprint cycling coach at the VIS, with O'Shea, who in 2012/13 became the only rider in the series history to win all four major wheels at the same series, the track endurance coach.
The squad's intention to race in Tasmania comes after the series elected to focus on the carnival racing over criteriums, a move that has found a fan in Kelly, who believes it will benefit the "next generation" talent that in is in his group.
"The VIS are very supportive of the Tasmanian Christmas Carnivals, as it's a great opportunity for our athletes to get top quality racing and a chance to race for some good prize money (so) what a great incentive to have," Kelly said on Wednesday.
"With the added sprint series the VIS sprint crew are really looking forward to the challenge of racing the open tracks, as they spend most of the time on the indoors. What better way to round out the year than with a block of quality sprint racing.
The dozen riders that will travel to the state this series comes after O'Shea tested the waters last summer by bringing a handful of riders to Tasmania.
"The 2018/19 Carnivals were a valuable experience for the young and upcoming riders from the VIS,'' O'Shea said.
"The week of racing also gave the riders a chance to learn and appreciate the history and value of carnival racing in Australia.
"The riders who went last year have been looking forward with anticipation to returning for this year's carnivals after having a great time last year.
Sport Carnival Association of Tasmania President Mike Gunson said the feedback on the shift from criterium to sprint races has been well received.
"Following the research we undertook after last years series, we were given clear feedback that there was an appetite for sprint racing to return. So the clubs have responded by adding sprint races to their programs and now the announcements are coming from riders that the support is there too, which is ideal," he said.
This summer's series has seen Devonport revert back to a two-day format, while Burnie has moved from New Year's Day to New Year's Eve.
The series will start at Rosebery on Saturday, December 21.
Christmas Carnival Series
- Rosebery- Saturday, December 21
- Launceston- Friday, December 27
- Latrobe- Saturday, December 28
- Devonport- Sunday, December 29 and Monday, December 30
- Burnie- Tuesday, December 31
- Hobart- Sunday, January 5