Frislie continues winning ways in drama-filled Launceston Wheelrace

Multiple national champion Graeme Frislie says he’s relishing being the hunted after backing up Wednesday’s wheelrace win at Hobart with another in Launceston on Thursday. But it wasn’t without its share of drama.

Graeme Frislie (centre) won a drama-filled edition of the Launceston Wheelrace on Thursday night. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

Graeme Frislie is relishing the target on his back after he made it two from two at Tasmania’s Christmas carnivals with victory in a drama-filled Launceston Wheelrace on Thursday night.

The South Australian-based rider avoided a crash with two laps to go during the race, but wasn’t so fortunate after a slip from Queenslander Byron Davies threw several riders off their bikes just after crossing the finish line.

Everyone escaped serious injury, but it tempered Frislie’s immediate celebrations after backing up his win at Hobart’s Bikes and Spikes the day before.

The 22-year-old has 24 national titles under his belt, including an omnium triumph at the recent track nationals.

Starting from scratch Frislie won in a scorching time of 1:59.30, ahead of Muhammad Hafiq (1:59.41) and Jack Lightfoot (1:59.69).

He also clinched the madison win for the second straight year in Launceston, combining with Kurt Eather (45 points) to win comfortably from James Moriarty and Josh Duffy (21).

He has earned the right to be the man everyone is hunting down across the carnivals.

“It’s something new to me over the last few years, but it’s something I personally like,” he said.

“I’m just happy I can be that guy.

“It’s one of those things confidence-wise that when people are looking at you, it gives you belief.

“The form is coming along really well, so hopefully I can keep it rolling for the rest of the week.

Malaysia's Ann Yii Yong is all smiles after her Launceston Wheelrace win on Thursday night. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

“I had a good run in Melbourne (nationals) a couple of weeks ago at the omnium and came second in madison. It’s good to come here with some form and push for some victories.”

Frislie escaped unharmed after the post-race tumble, and will look to make it three straight when the carnival circuit heads to Devonport on Friday night.

“It was just an unfortunate incident after the race, just a few scratches,” he said.

“Someone in front of me just slid out, there was zero I could do.”

The women’s race was won by Malaysia’s Ann Yii Yong (2:12.46), with her sister Ann Tung finishing third.

Defending champion Amelia Mulhern (2:12.52) just failed to run down Yii Yong in the dying stages to claim second.

Yii Yong also won the keiren final later in the program, while Sam Gallagher took out the men’s race.

“It’s quite fast for me. I don’t usually do sprint I do endurances,” Yii Yong said.

“The pace wasn’t what I was expecting, it was really fast but I’m happy I made it.

“We (sisters) train together every day and encourage each other. That’s why we can be successful.”

Singapore’s Valencia Tan continued her fruitful visit to Tasmania by winning the Women’s 1000m final, backing up her wheelrace victory at Hobart the day before.

Davies dominated the men’s final in a time of 1:07.96.