Bishop took advantage of the miserable conditions with his stronger sprinting ability and with Mercier's team showing the effects of defending the yellow jersey all week, too control.
Mercier was bitterly disappointed and was near tears at the end. He had won the tough Mt. Buller stage on Friday to retain his lead over Bishop and then defended on the old 1956 Olympic course at Broadmeadows despite having to chase after a puncture.
"I knew we were tired after yesterday when I punctured", Mercier said. "I wanted it really badly, not only for myself but for the team. We have been suffering all week."
Bishop's plan was to beat Mercier in as many sprints as possible yesterday. With strong support from his team of Scott McGrory, Dave Mann and Jason Phillips, Bishop was able to line up perfectly for each of the intermediate sprints.
Australian star rider, Henk Vogels won the final stage from David McKenzie, with Bishop third, 3 secs away. "From the very first sprint we just tried to get as many seconds as possible." "I tried to get the jersey earlier but Scott beat me in the ITT and the climb by a few seconds. I just had to keep picking up places to try to get a few seconds", he said.
"This year it was so close b/tw us with all the bonus seconds i was able to make up the time."
Bishop said that it was difficult that a race like the VicHealth Sun Tour had to be decided on bonus seconds but that was tour racing. "I have won stages on tours before and won smaller tours but never one of this magnitude." he said.
The driving rain and cold kept the crowd down but most riders complimented the new circuit. The circuit is the subject of huge controversy as public park land has been destroyed by an entrepreneurial government to host the F1 GP next year. The race start was delayed because "protesters" through tacks all over the road.
Editorial Note: While i love bike racing, Albert Park should never have been destroyed for a F1 car race. More tacks will be needed then to stop the cars!>
KOM 1. M. Wust 29 points 2. Bishop 21 3. Gaggioli 14 Sprint 1. Bishop 2. Wust 3. Miller (NZ)