Rebecca Wiasak has continued the incredible winning streak of the High5 Dream Team, storming home from a long way out to take the victory in Stage 1 of the 2017 Tour of Gippsland.

In wet conditions in Inverloch, the High5 Dream Team animated the early stages with multiple attacks, then controlled the front of the peloton in the closing kilometres, setting up Wiasak to launch her sprint from the final corner of the 900m circuit.

To cap a stellar stage, the High5 Dream Team had four riders in the top 10 as Kristina Clonan finished 5th, Chloe Moran 7th, and Ruby-Roseman-Gannon 10th.

‘It’s a brilliant start to the last National Road Series round of 2017 here in Gippsland. It’s the first time it’s been held for women, so it’s great that the organisers are supporting women’s cycling.’

‘It was a great field out there today, with some really strong riders like former national criterium champion Kimberley Wells, and pro rider Georgia Baker, so we knew we would have to be attentive all race and be at the front going into the final corner.’

‘We have a team of track riders here, and Em Roper who has ridden track in the past, so with the Tour of Gippsland being a series of criteriums we feel it plays to our strengths in being able to control the front and set up a lead-out train, which the girls did perfectly today.’

‘Any one of us could have won today, but right at the end I saw an opportunity and took it, opening up my sprint from a long way back.’

‘The kids on the side of the road made for an electric atmosphere, and I’m thrilled to get the win for the High5 Dream Team,’ said Wiasak.

The 2017 Tour of Gippsland continues tomorrow, Friday October 20, with a 45 minute plus five laps criterium around a 1.25km course in Sale.

Watch the live stream on the Subaru National Road Series Facebook page, or follow on Twitter via hashtags #TOG17 and #NRS17.

Images copyright Con Chronis