Hamilton creates history

VIS athlete Lucas Hamilton became the first Australian in history to win any classification at the Tour de l'Avenir, when he pulled on the mountains jersey following the final stage.

The 20 year old Victorian bounced back from illness to finish second on the final stage, just nine seconds behind solo winner Neilson Powless (United States). The points earned on the Col de la Croix-de-Fer, combined with those earned during his stage six breakaway saw him claim the jersey by four points.
 
The race was not without challenges for the U23 national championship silver medallist who battled through illness in the first half of the race.

"I'm very happy with the way I have finished the tour. Mentally and physically it was a very tough week with the illness hitting me mid tour but you just never know when you will come good and I think it paid off today.

"The team was outstanding, we came in with stage ambitions and ended up with teams class, mountain jersey, two riders in the top ten, a stage win and 3 podiums," added Hamilton. "The boys have been consistent all week and with such a new group of guys it was good to be a part of."

The expected battle for the general classification on the final 13 kilometre Col de la Croix-de-Fer to the finish did not disappoint with the fight on for top 10 places, including the podium, all the way to the line.

A big attack by Hamilton left him and race leader Gaudu chasing US rider Powless inside the final two kilometres quickly dropping the gap from 45 seconds to just 20 as they hit the flamme rouge. A heroic effort by Hamilton in the final five hundred metres nearly paid off with a stage win and rewarded Hamilton with the king of the mountains jersey.