A twilight criterium around the harbour-side town of Fremantle set the scene for the opening stage of the Tour de Perth as well as the beginning of the National Road Series calendar. The 6:30pm start meant the race would be predominantly ridden under lights set up around the course, something rarely seen on the Australian race calendar.
From the gun it was on as always happens in every NRS race but this time it wasn't about establishing an early break or controlling the front of the field, no, it was about staying away from everyone else. Staying safe was paramount and as usual being the opening race of the year everyone was on edge and some even willing to come off just to move up a few places. Holding good position in the top 10 of the field a crash went down behind and close to half the field stopped to take a lap out, next lap around everyone jumped in front and suddenly I was right down the back having to fight my way back to the position I already had. Lap after lap people from the middle of the bunch were either dropping out or dropping themselves, chasing the peloton back took a toll on my legs and with 4 laps to go I threw the towel in and let the elastic band snap, with three days to go and racing more suited to me to come there are more chances for me to do well.
The finish saw a very messy sprint resulting in a crash described by team mechanic Stu Sanders as “one of the worst I’ve ever seen in all my years”, ultimately the race was taken by Will Clarke. One stage down and three to go, hopefully everyone's fallen off and doesn't feel like needing to lay the bike down anymore.
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