The anticipated finale to the 2015 Jayco Herald Sun Tour was poetically played with a race long break launched by William Clarke and a final sprint with the GC contenders at the top of the elusive Arthurs Seat. Lachlan Norris closed out the tour with a top ten GC placing showing Drapac’s racing consistency and diverse race program.

The day started with Clarke jumping and a group of 16 riders getting clear of the field. The break was cut down to 6 riders later in the day and then caught with under 5km to go, leaving the yellow jersey, Cameron Meyer (Orica GreenEdge) to battle Patrick Bevin (Avanti Racing Team) in the sprint. Bevin won at the line, and Meyer secured his GC victory.

Norris, who spent the day in the peloton launched a powerful attack just as the field came together at 4km. Norris gave the climb all the fight he had left but was caught with just under 2km to go and held on for 13th on the day and 8h in the GC to close out a consistent week of racing.

“I am pleased I gave it crack but a bit disappointed with the finish as I wanted to finish a bit higher in the stage placing. I had to go when it was steep, so that was my play. It was going to be hard for me in a sprint so, I made the right move at the right time, it just didn’t work for me in the end,” Norris said.

Clarke, who won the Prologue and was the first rider to sport the yellow jersey of this year’s tour, spent numerous days driving a breakaway and today he was joined by teammate Sam Spokes. Clarke was awarded Subaru Most Aggressive Jersey after spending nearly the entire day off the front.

“The pace was on, and we were working very hard in the break. Sam rode well and it helped to have us both in the break. We knew the peloton was coming and I tried to keep driving the pace as best I could,” Clarke said. “I am happy with my performance this week and am looking forward to the next races.”

The course for the final stage was anything but flat prior to the three climbs up Arthurs Seat and Drapac knew to play a sound tactical game.

“Drapac rode a very tactical race today putting two riders in the break with Clarke and Spokes. Both riders rode exceptionally well. The gap was never allowed more than two minutes. In the main bunch, Phelan and Hucker looked after Norris. It was a team effort today all around. I am pleased with the progression we are making as a team and how the team is working together,” Agostino Giramondo, Sports Director said.

“We have a really good mix at the moment and a broad spectrum of riders and personalities, and the team is working very smoothly. The diversity seems to be our key in the races and outside the races as well,” Norris added.

Up next for the team is the Oceania Championships February 13-15.