Linfield prevails in Warragul

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Bradley Linfield (Plan B) soloed to victory in the Tour of Gippsland's fourth stage, a hilly 102km route from San Remo to Warragul. Luke Fetch (search2retain) finished second, nine seconds down, while Aaron Donnelly (Jayco AIS) led in an eight-man group for third place five seconds later.

Overnight leader Steele Von Hoff (Genesys Wealth Advisers) finished in the main peloton, 11:28 behind Linfield, and relinquished his place atop general classification to Nathan Haas (Genesys Wealth Advisers), who finished fifth on the stage. Haas, a pre-race favourite plus part-time barman and Sydney University Arts student, leads stage four winner Bradley Linfield by 11 seconds and Aaron Donnelly by 19 seconds.

The 17-year-old Linfield felt at home on the arduous parcours. "This is my biggest victory," said Linfield. "I like the climbing."

Linfield has an incredible tale to tell. Born in Zimbabwe, he and his mother Christine and older brother and sister fled to Western Australia eight years ago after his family was evicted from their family farm by Robert Mugabe's soldiers.

His father, a former Zimbabwean representative at the world junior cycling championships, remained in the strife-torn country and now runs a flour mill and bread company.

Four years ago, Linfield attended a talent identification course conducted by the South West Cycling Club in Bunbury. An overseas contract and a ride in the Tour de France are in his dreams.

"When we got kicked off our farm, my mum brought us to Australia because she thought there were more opportunities for us," Linfield said.

The Tour of Gippsland continues on Friday first with a 45km criterium at Moe South primary school, followed by an 85km road stage from Morwell to Maffra.