GUNNS PLAIN, TASMANIA – Oliver Bleddyn of Team Brennan and Sophia Sammons of Team Redcat each claimed impressive solo victories in stage 2 of the Tour of Tasmania, a key event in the 2026 ProVelo SuperLeague. The Gunns Plain road race saw Bleddyn conquer the men’s 126.9km course, while Sammons dominated the women’s 86.6km race, solidifying their positions as contenders in the top-tier domestic race series.
Bleddyn, an Olympic gold medalist on the track, demonstrated tactical prowess and endurance to establish a decisive 18-second lead over Oscar Gallagher (CCACHE x Bodywrap). William Heffernan of Randwick Botany Cycling Club rounded out the podium in third. The victory comes after a strategic team effort, as Bleddyn explained in a post-race Instagram update: “We had the numbers there after the climb,” he said. “Brendo [Brendan Davids] went, he came back and I just went over the top at maybe around 15km to go, maybe a bit under.”
Sammons, the reigning Australian U23 time trial champion, delivered a commanding performance in the women’s race, finishing 1 minute and 46 seconds ahead of a chasing group of 14 riders. Katelyn Nicholson (Butterfields Ziptrak) secured second place, with teammate Keely Bennett taking third. The stage highlighted Sammons’ strength and ability to maintain a significant advantage over her competitors.
Challenging Course and Stage Details
The men’s course presented a demanding challenge with four significant climbs over two full loops of the Gunns Plain Loop. The women’s race featured a similar circuit, but with a shortened second loop that omitted one of the longer ascents. The varied terrain tested the riders’ climbing abilities and tactical awareness. The first stage of the Tour of Tasmania, a 600m zig-zagging time trial, was won by Cameron Ivory (Launceston Mountain Bike Club) and Ruby Taylor (Team Redcat).
The ProVelo SuperLeague continues this weekend with a 73.6km road race from Poatina on Saturday, followed by a criterium in Launceston on Sunday, bringing the four-stage event to a close. The Tour of Tasmania serves as a crucial stepping stone for Australian cyclists aiming for international competition, as highlighted by ProVelo Super League’s focus on developing talent for the WorldTour.
Melbourne to Warrnambool Delayed, Rescheduled
Looking ahead, the next event on the ProVelo SuperLeague calendar is the Melbourne to Warrnambool and Warrnambool Women’s Cycling Classic. However, these races have been postponed by two weeks due to recent fires in the vicinity of the course. The men’s event is now scheduled for February 28, and the women’s race will take place on March 1.
Here’s a look at the top 5 finishers for each race:
| Women’s Top 5 |
|---|
| 1. Sophia Sammons (Team Redcat) – 3:16:59 |
| 2. Katelyn Nicholson (Butterfields Ziptrak) – +1:46 |
| 3. Keely Bennett (Butterfields Ziptrack) |
| 4. Isla Bradbury (Nstrmo x Attaquer x CCACHE) |
| 5. Ruby Taylor (Team Redcat) |
| Men’s Top 5 |
|---|
| 1. Oliver Bleddyn (Team Brennan) – 3:11:59 |
| 2. Oscar Gallagher (CCACHE x Bodywrap) – +18 |
| 3. William Heffernan (Randwick Botany Cycling Club) |
| 4. Conor Leahy (Team Brennan) |
| 5. Connor Wright (Falcons Pedal Mafia) |
The ProVelo SuperLeague continues to showcase the depth of talent within Australian cycling, providing a platform for riders to compete at a high level and pursue opportunities on the world stage. The upcoming Melbourne to Warrnambool races promise further exciting competition as the season progresses.
What are your thoughts on Sammons and Bleddyn’s dominant performances? Share your opinions in the comments below!
