Bikes and Spikes: Russel Taib wins Hobart Gift crown in photo finish

RUSSEL Taib has successfully defended his crown in the Hobart Gift.

Winners of the Men's and Women's Gift races Russel Taib Ashleigh Corbett. Bikes & Spikes carnival, New Town Oval.

PROMISING sprinter Russel Taib has done what no man could in 32 previous Bikes and Spikes — successfully defend his crown in the Hobart Gift.

Running off a 3.75m handicap, Taib flew home at New Town Oval today to catch and beat frontmarker Alec Eiszele (9.50m) in a photo finish.

Taib, who is now trained by Scott Goldsmith after moving from Damian Lawler’s stable of runners, covered the 100m gift in an impressive 10.80 seconds to show why he is one of the most talented sprinters in the state.

“I guess with the other sprinting talent coming through it’s pretty hard to put your name out there, not just here but on the mainland as well, but to win has really boosted my confidence and hopefully put my name out there,” Taib said.

“Last year when I won, it was something I put a lot of work into and to win it again is a dream come true. Hopefully I can make it three in a row next year.”

In the women’s gift, Ashleigh Corbett (5m) from the North West Coast held off backmarker Samantha Lind (4m) to win the race.

“I wasn’t expecting to win so that’s always a bonus,” the Mike Gunson trained runner said.

“I was expecting Sam to come over and get the win but I just stayed in front.”

Luke Ockerby wins the 2000m wheelrace final at New Town Oval today. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

For the first time in three years, the men’s wheelrace had a new winner after talented cyclist Luke Ockerby powered to victory.

“It was hard out there. It’s just nice to get a reward from the carnivals this year,” he said.

The 22-year-old from Ulverstone admitted his Christmas carnival series had not gone to plan so far but was too strong for Jeremy Hill and Harry Baker who finished in second and third place respectively.

Emma Peterson took out the women’s race ahead of Jessica Bemish and Janelle Smith.

Carnival organiser Ray Quarrell was thrilled with the turnout for this year’s event, saying there was a 30 per cent increase at the gate.

Quarrell said he was expecting a large group of international cyclists and mainland runners to compete at next year’s event.