After an action-packed year of taking on some of the world's best, Josh Duffy and Amy Wright are ready to defend their crowns on December 27.
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Taking out last year's Launceston Wheel races at the annual Christmas Carnivals Series, the home-town duo's 2019 saw paths cross internationally - both representing Australia in New Zealand.
Starting his season at track nationals, Duffy raced in America for two months before crossing paths with his clubmate in New Zealand, both coming away with medals (Duffy gold and Wright silver) in the team pursuit at the Oceania Championships.
The win saw 19-year-old Duffy earn a spot in Australia's World Cup squad for Glasgow, where the team finished seventh - but it always comes back to the Launceston Wheel.
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT
"The Launceston Wheel was pretty fun, it was a good event," Duffy said.
"The home crowd was really good - I like racing in front of a home crowd, it's always good fun.
"It was a really good way to end last year and it was a good start to the track season. There were plenty of internationals and nationals down so it's good racing them."
While the calibre of internationals won't be as high this year due to preparations for the Tokyo Olympics, the pair are still ready and primed for action, with 16-year-old Wright bursting with excitement after last year's efforts.
I love carnivals, it's my favourite time of the year
- 2018 Launceston Wheel winner, Amy Wright
Listing the Launceston Wheel win as her season highlight, despite Australian representation, the Newstead College student is looking for a more consistent run this year after a crash following her breakthrough victory ruled her out of the remainder of the carnival series.
"I love carnivals, it's my favourite time of the year, so hopefully I get to ride some more this year," she said.
"The Launceston Wheel was awesome - that's one I've always wanted to win since juniors, so it was awesome to win it as a first-year under-19.
"That was the highlight of the night, then I crashed in the madison so I can't remember much more."
Wright crosses the line victorious in last year's Launceston Wheel. Picture: Scott Gelston
Winning last year's race off a handicap of 240-metres, holding out fellow frontmarker, Courtney McGowan and scratch rider, Alex Manly, Wright admits her handicap might take a bit of a hammering but is excited about taking up the challenge.
Set to compete against names like Kristina Clonan and North-West success, Macey Stewart, the defending champion is looking to use last year's confidence boost to set her season up again.
Held at the Silverdome, the Launceston Carnival is the only indoor event on the program.
SCHEDULE
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
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