ProVelo Super League: Ivory and Taylor Dominate Tour of Tasmania Opening Time Trial

Australia - Ekhbary News Agency

Ivory and Taylor Seize Early Lead in ProVelo Super League with Tour of Tasmania Time Trial Wins

The second round of the 2026 Hertz ProVelo Super League ignited with a short, sharp time trial at the Tour of Tasmania on Thursday, seeing Cameron Ivory (Launceston Mountain Bike Club) and Ruby Taylor (Team Redcat) emerge as the triumphant victors. This opening salvo sets a formidable standard for Australia's top-tier domestic race season, offering an early glimpse into the formidable talent vying for supremacy across the country's challenging cycling circuits.

Eighteen-year-old Ruby Taylor's performance was particularly compelling, showcasing resilience and exceptional form. As the daughter of Liz Taylor (née Tadich), a silver medalist in the 1997 World Championships road race, the young cyclist carries a significant legacy, yet she is rapidly carving out her own. Taylor's arrival in Tasmania was delayed earlier in the week due to a cold, making her victory all the more impressive. "I knew the effort, I was prepared for it and I think I did what I was capable of and I'm really proud of that," Taylor shared in an interview with broadcaster SBS. She added, reflecting on her immediate preparation, "I flew in this morning and unpacked my bike and got straight out. So I did a few laps of the climb and my second time up I got fourth on the Strava leaderboard and that filled me with a lot of confidence." Her ability to perform under pressure and convert immediate reconnaissance into a winning strategy speaks volumes about her burgeoning talent and mental fortitude.

In the women's category, Keely Bennett (Butterfields Ziptrak) secured a commendable second place, while Georgia Waghorn (Black Magic Women's Cycling) rounded out the podium in third, underscoring the depth of talent in the women's peloton. For the men's event, Connor Wright (Falcons Pedal Mafia) delivered a strong ride to claim second, with Graeme Frislie (CCACHE x Bodywrap) taking third, highlighting the fierce competition at the top of the field.

The opening time trial, a mere 0.6km in length, presented a unique challenge as it zig-zagged its way up Brisbane Street West in Launceston. Despite its brevity, the steep gradient and technical nature of the course demanded explosive power and precise bike handling, making it a true test of a rider's early-season form. Such short, punchy efforts often provide a clear indication of who has done their homework over the off-season and is ready to contend.

The four-stage Tour of Tasmania is poised to continue with more demanding challenges. Friday will see riders tackle Gunns Plain, with the men embarking on a 133.3km road race and the women facing a 107.3km circuit from Penguin. Saturday's Stage 3 from Longford to Poatina promises a 73.6km road race, culminating in a Stage 4 criterium finale back in Launceston. This diverse parcours ensures that only the most versatile and strategically astute riders will emerge at the top of the general classification.

Following the Tour of Tasmania, the ProVelo Super League will shift its focus to the prestigious Melbourne to Warrnambool and Warrnambool Women's Cycling Classic. These iconic races, steeped in Australian cycling history, were notably delayed by two weeks after fires impacted the vicinity of the course in late January. The men's long-range event is now scheduled for February 28, with the women's classic following on March 1. This rescheduling highlights the adaptability required in the Australian sporting calendar, particularly in response to environmental challenges, while also allowing riders additional preparation for these significant events.

The thrilling start to the ProVelo Super League underscores the vibrant and competitive landscape of Australian domestic cycling. With a mix of promising young talents and seasoned campaigners, the season promises to be filled with strategic battles and inspiring performances. The ability to adapt to varying terrains and conditions will be crucial as the series progresses, with riders keenly looking to accumulate valuable points and vie for the ultimate series title.

Ekhbary News Agency