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By Rod Morris
In what could prove to be the ideal hit out, noted Evandale road rider Sean Sullivan snatched victory in the Devonport Trial Wheel on Tuesday night.
Fresh from being named the Tasmanian Criterium Champion for 2001 and clinching victory in Herald Sun Tour Criterium section, Sullivan added further kudos to his cycling resume.
While the Devonport Trial Wheel does not carry the prizemoney, trophies or prestige of the bigger wheelraces, the win is the perfect tonic with the Basslink Tasmanian Carnival Series now less than a week away.
Sullivan is arguably Tasmania's best road rider and it was first thought he would be merely a spectator throughout the Christmas series as he prepared for the Tour of Tasmania in late February.
But his win in the Devonport Trial Wheel gives heart to a successful appearance on the track for the powerful and popular Sullivan.
Whilst only a modest qualifier in his heat, Sullivan turned it on in the 3000 m final, powering home to win in-form Devonport youngster Simon Elliott, Somerset all-rounder Todd Parnell and former Mersey Wheel winner Michael Skeggs, who is making a comeback to cycling after a two year hiatus.
The Devonport Trial Wheel is a non-penalty event, but Tasmanian Cycling Federation senior Track Handicapper Peter Coventry was at the dress rehearsal carnival and was no doubt keeping an extremely close on Sullivan.
Port Sorell rider John Abblitt showed form of old by winning the 1000 m Lightning Handicap and then backing up later in the programme to surprise a quality field - including Sullivan and Tasmanian scratchmen Gareth Atkins and Nathan Clarke - to also win the A Grade Scratch.
Open Wheelrace 3000 m 1 Sean Sullivan 25.40 2 Simon Elliott 3 Todd Parnell 4 Michael Skeggs 1000 m Lightning Handicap 1 John Abblitt 1.08.68 2 Nathan Clarke 3 Sean Sullivan A Grade Scratch 1 John Abblitt 9.21.67 2 Mark Jamieson 3 Gareth Atkins B Grade Scratch 1 Darrell Eaves 6.46.60 2 David Oliver 3 Belinda Goss . Juniors Junior 3 1000 m Wheelrace 1 Sarah Eaves 1.29.64 2 Daniel Jamieson 3 Zac Heald Junior 3 1000 m Handicap 1 Daniel Jamieson 1.27.40 2 Sarah Eaves 3 Zac Heald Junior 3 Scratch 1 Alex Holden 4.19.88 2 Sarah Eaves 3 Daniel Jamieson Junior 2 2000 m Wheelrace 1 Aaron Jones 1.48.89 2 Natasha Mapley 3 Ben Fielding Junior 2 1000 m Handicap 1 Angela Klyne 1.18.00 2 Aaron Jones 3 Natasha Mapley Junior 2 Scratch 1 Matthew Bonham 5.48.94 2 Jarrod Harman 3 John Rayner Junior 1 2000 m Wheelrace 1 Ty Winduss 2.44.00 2 Jason Bellchambers 3 Ron Tregurtha Junior 1 1000 m Handicap 1 Jason Bellchambers 1.17.48 2 Cameron Flint 3 Ty Winduss Junior 1 Scratch 1 Ty Winduss 6.34 2 Jason Bellchambers 3 Ron Tregurtha 1 Sean Sullivan 25.40. 2 Simon Elliott 3 Todd Parnell 4 Michael Skeggs