Baden Cook took the opening stage of the 19th edition of Jayco Bay Cycling Classic,
the world’s fastest criterium series. Mark Renshaw came in second. The
first stage took place on a circuit in Williamstown, Australia, along the shores of Western Port Bay.
The Elite men and women’s races are contested by teams and prizes are given
to the three best teams overall. Points gained by the top three riders in each team are added together each day. The
team with the most points at the end of the fifth and final stage is the winner.
However, the individual General Classification is the most prestigious. Each day the first 10 riders receive
points given for their finishing position: 12 for first then 10, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. The leading rider wears
the Yellow Jersey and the rider with the most points at the end of the final stage is the series winner.
In addition there is the Sprint Ace Award with 3, 2 and 1 points awarded for the intermediate sprints each day that go
towards the overall sprint ranking. The leader of the sprint classification wears the green jersey.
Cooke was one of the most active riders, the former Tour de France green jersey winner was involved in several breakaway
groups and is also took the overall lead.Defending champ Mark Renshaw is second overall.
Women
Alexis Rhodes won the womens race and will wear the yellow jersey. The defending champ of the womens race won the
opening stage after a solo attack.
