Palmer & Baker Claim the NYE Burnie Wheels

In a year filled with cancellations and disappointments, the 134th edition of the Heritage / South Cape Burnie New Year’s Eve Carnival shone bright and delivered a thrilling evening racing.

Women’s Wheel Race

Launceston’s Georgia Baker backed up a strong win in George Town, obliterating the field over the final lap whilst riding off the scratch mark. The Australia Cycling Team member had time to savour the win, playing to the local crowd in celebrating over the line - sending the crowd into rapturous applause.

“That was awesome, I wasn’t sure I was going to get up today, but I had some great team mates, Lauren Perry, Lily McLellan and Alex Manley, and they really helped me get up in the end” explained Baker.

“I’m always sitting on the wheel looking to see where they are, and when I caught them with about a quarter of a lap to go I thought yeah I’ve got this now” noted Baker.

“I wasn’t expecting that to be honest, when the handicaps got changed and everyone was pushed out 40m. I wasn’t sure I’d get up there today but credit to my team mates to get me there in the end” said Baker.

“Always great to celebrate the last 100m. It’s not very often you get to do that in a bike race, so I definitely made the most of it today” joked Baker.

“I haven’t raced the carnivals for two years, so to come out and race two and get two wins. I’m pretty happy and it gives me great confidence moving forward as well” said Baker, who will look to build off her Christmas Carnival form into the Tour Down Under.

Men’s Wheel Race

The loudest roar of the may have echoed out with a lap to ride in the Men’s Wheel Race. As Burnie local Campbell Palmer, all of 16 years old, held off a fierce last lap challenge from the Australian Cycling Team’s Luke Plapp.

Riding on his home track, the youngster took full advantage of his first Open Wheel Race ride, bouncing back after frustrating results in George Town.

“Oh, that was.. Very good! Home track - so I was loving every bit of it. I thought they were coming, but I just held them off” said Palmer.

“I tried to look in the glass just over in the corner, but I couldn’t see him coming. I just grit my teeth and kept on going” noted Palmer, thriving off the crowd noise.

Palmer was well aware of his competition, thrilled to hold off Australia’s very best track sprinters.

“I mean, he’s going to the Olympics so… yeah I’m pretty stoked” said Palmer.

Regarding the $5000 first place prize, Palmer appeared to complete some mental mathematics on the spot, a wry smile crossing his face as he realised what the winnings could assist with.

“Dunno... Maybe a new bike?” laughed Palmer.

The Burnie rider listed Richie Porte as an inspiration, with goals of riding professionally - a Burnie Wheel Race win a dream come true.

Junior Wheel Races

Under 13 wheel honours went to Mitchell Stretton with Alby Clarke and Sam Radford claiming the remaining podium places. In the under 15 race, Ethan Arnold claimed the win from Charlie Hanigan and Nicholas Broxam, while Meika Derrico finished strong in the under 17 Wheel Race, with Felicity Wilson-Haffenden and Jack O'Rourke taking the second and third placings.

Click here to view the full results.