Brendan “Trekky” Johnston secured victory at the Devil’s Cardigan, Australia’s second UCI qualifier held in Tasmania. This win marks his fourth consecutive victory in the last four Australian qualifier events, building anticipation for a potential fifth win next week in Nannup.
Johnston broke away from runner-up Tasman Nankervis before the halfway mark of the 106km course, ultimately finishing with a 3-minute and 10-second lead. Scott Bowden finished third, with the current national champion, Mark O’Brien, in fourth place. Johnston’s average speed for the race was 31.1 km/h.
Same scenario in the women elite race, with Talia Appleton breaking away early alongside the current national champion, Tiffany Cromwell. Appleton established a gap and ultimately won by 4 minutes and 10 seconds ahead of Cromwell. Holly Harris completed the podium, finishing 25 minutes behind Appleton, who achieved an average speed of 26.1 km/h.
