Melissa Hoskins wins consecutive Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic titles

MELISSA Hoskins finally broke her stage-winning duck at Williamstown today and won consecutive titles.

Melissa Hoskins

MELISSA Hoskins finally broke her stage-winning duck at Williamstown today and in the process became only the fifth woman to win consecutive Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic titles.

In a closely contested race, Tiffany Cromwell attacked from the front for a second-consecutive day, taking five sprint points which was enough to seal her hold on the green jersey.

But as the field entered the home straight along Nelson Street, fittingly it was the three leading contenders for overall honours - Hoskins, Peta Mullins and Kimberley Wells - who were at the front of the pack.

Mullins (Anytime Fitness TREK) made the first move, but she and Wells were soon left for dead by Hoskins who crossed the line knowing the yellow jersey was safe in her keeping.

Hoskins won last year's bay crits without winning an individual stage and said securing this year's title was made all the more sweeter by her win today.

"Back-to-back is sweet, but finishing with a stage win in the yellow jersey, you can't be much happier than that,'' Hoskins said.

MITCHELTON BAY CYCLING CLASSIC
Stage three: Williamstown
Women's
1. Melissa Hoskins (W.A) Orica-AIS 39:18
2. Peta Mullins (VIC) Anytime Fitness TREK +0
3. Kimberley Wells (ACT) Specialized Securitor +0
4. Nicole Whitburn (VIC) Liv/Giant +0
5. Emily Collins (NZL) Wiggle Honda +0

OVERALL
1. Melissa Hoskins (W.A) Orica-AIS 32 points
2. Peta Mullins (VIC) Anytime Fitness TREK 23pts
3. Kimberley Wells (ACT) Specialized Securitor 20pts
4. Tiffany Cromwell (S.A) Unattached 17pts
5. Nicole Whitburn (VIC) Liv/Giant 13pts