Kimberley Wells (High5 Dream Team) has defended her MyState Launceston Cycling Classic crown in style, saluting the sky after beating Sarah Roy (Orica-AIS) and team-mate Kendelle Hodges in front of large Launceston crowds.

The national criterium champion positioned herself perfectly on the final climb, sprinting away to finish just ahead of a fast closing Roy.

“It is really great to take the win today in the green and gold,” exclaimed Canberra-based Wells. “I launched relatively early on the final climb. I took a moment or two of respite around the ‘peanut gallery’, as they were calling it, before I shot for home. It was really great out there today.”

Wells also paid her respects the Baker family, including Australian track representative Georgia Baker and Launceston Cycling Festival Race Director Nigel Baker, who lost their father/brother earlier in the year.

“High5 Dream Team were really keen to get down to Tasmania, the home state of our team-mate Georgia Baker,” Wells continued. “The Baker family suffered a tragedy this year with the loss of Georgia’s father suddenly and unexpectedly. In coming down here to race in front of these amazing crowds, we would like to pay our respects and send our love to the Baker family. When crossing the finish-line today I had the family on my mind.”

Images copyright Danny Graves/ESi Sports Photography