THE Tour de Perth opened with a bang on Friday night in the streets of Kalamunda, re-affirming its importance on the Australian cycling road racing calendar.
More than 170 cyclists ensured the town was pulsing for the fast-paced first stage on the Criterium circuit around the Zig Zag Cultural Centre.
The 40-minute race saw Helena Valley world champion Cameron Meyer assert his dominance from the start. He set the early pace and eventually lapped the entire field.
The final few laps saw Meyer pull right away with a burst of raw power to lengthen his lead from Anthony Giacoppo, Adam Semple and his brother, Travis Meyer.
Giacoppo finished a distant second with Semple, third.
Although Meyer (23) boasts an impressive resume of world titles, he still had not claimed victory in the Tour de Perth, having placed second four times.
He maintained his lead from Friday night’s Stage 1 in Saturday’s Road Race around the challenging, hilly 104 km course.
Anthony Giacoppo had to settle for second again.
Giacoppo and Semple tried hard in the time trial but were unable to bridge the time gap.
Meyer was thrilled to win and said he would return again next year to defend his title.
“It’s been a fantastic weekend. I’d like to thank the organisers, supporters and helpers for making it all happen,” he said.
Next year, Cycling WA aims to make the Tour de Perth part of the National Road Series calendar.