Final Stage of Herald Sun Tour cancelled handing Simon Clarke the win

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The Jayco Herald Sun Tour's final stage up Arthurs Seat was cancelled with the race organisation acting on the advise of fire and police officials regarding adverse weather conditions. The threat posed by bushfires and strong winds meant race director John Trevorrow was faced with the tough decision to cancel the race for the safety of both riders and spectators.

Having experienced 40 degree heat on yesterday's stage, a change in wind direction cooled the Mornington Peninsula and while there was no immediate threat to the roads the race was to traverse, with the potential of fire taking only seven minutes to reach the peak of Arthurs Seat, the race was cancelled ensuring that Simon Clarke (Orica-GreenEdge) claimed his maiden overall victory.

In the media centre as riders were scheduled to sign on, there arose a tension as it became clear the strong winds and smoke seen from the summit of Arthurs Seat was going to force a change to the stage. Race director Trevorrow, a three winner of the race, made the announcement that for the safety of all involved that there would be no stage today.

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There is no immediate threat within this region but the emergency services, police and fire, are in other areas under threat across the state," Trevvorow said. "I'm devastated of course. I was looking forward to this amazing stage up Arthurs Seat, I’m devastated for us the race organisers, the bike riders, and especially for the fans. It was going o be something special I reckon."

"Everyone is happy with the week of racing here and the win," said Clarke. "The guys did a great job and worked really hard for me this week. We were confident going in to today's stage that we would be able to defend the overall, but like in any bike race, anything can happen. We were up for the challenge, and it was a shame that we didn't get a chance to do that."

"I still get to stand on the podium, for us it is still a great win and we're stoked to have been able to come away winning," said Clarke. "Gerro didn't get the triple-crown, but GreenEdge got the triple crown.

"It's unfortunate for the organisers that the last stage was cancelled today, but we are still really happy to have won the overall here," Clark added. "I'm looking forward to having this win on my palmarès."

"It's a bittersweet result for the team," said Orica-GreenEdge Sport Director Matt Wilson.

"The guys all rode so well this week, Clarkey especially. It's a shame he didn't get to finish the race in its entirety because he deserved the win and he deserved to have his moment. This isn't the way you want to win a race, but it was well earned over the course of the week and he would have been hard to beat today. We are extremely happy to come away with the overall win."