Van der Ploeg, Plaxton move up as Taberlay retains overall lead

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Max Plaxton and Jenni King each won both stages on day 3 of Pure Tasmania Wildside MTB. With rain falling for part of the day, competitors enjoyed cooler conditions along the coastal tracks.

Plaxton finished 33 seconds ahead of Paul van der Ploeg in the Zeehan Spray Tunnel time trial in the morning, with Sid Taberlay third.

It was in the 15km afternoon stage from Trail Harbour to Granville Harbour that tactics came into play amongst the leading group of men. Josh Carslon led the group out on the steep climb out of Trial Harbour.

Taberlay and Paul van der Ploeg closed the gap after the first few kilometres, with the group then preventing any breakaways by Taberlay. While the group kept Taberlay in check, they allowed Canadian champion Plaxton to break away. Plaxton maintained his lead to the end, winning in a time of one hour and 40 seconds, with Taberlay finishing just 20 seconds behind. Paul van der Ploeg could not match the pace of the leaders, finishing third, 27 seconds behind Taberlay.

Jenni King again dominated the women's race, finishing the Trail Harbour stage in one hour, 20 minutes and three minutes ahead of Jessica Douglas.

In discussing the tactics for the final race stage along Ocean Beach tomorrow, eighth placed rider Josh Carlson predicted, "There will be fireworks on the beach tomorrow."

With such close riding between the top men, the final result is still open. With alliances forming between some of the riders in the top ten, the beach stage will be fascinating to watch.

Taberlay will head into the final day with an overall time of 4:57:48, with Paul van der Ploeg second in 4:59:13, with Max Plaxton third in 4:59:58.