Kemps takes bunch sprint into Hamilton

Former Australian criterium champion Aaron Kemps (V Australia) prevailed in a bunch sprint to win Wednesday's second stage of the Tour of Tasmania, a rolling 61.3 kilometre dash between New Norfolk and Hamilton.

Kemps, crossed the finish line ahead of Bikebug.com's Joe Lewis and V Australia teammate, another former national criterium winner, Bernard Sulzberger.

Overnight leader on general classification, Jayco-2XU's Mark Jamieson lost eight seconds to teammate and one of the favourites for overall honours at the Tour, Dale Parker who will pull on the CAT Underground Mining leader's jersey heading into stage 3 later on Wednesday afternoon. The 19-year-old holds a one second advantage over teammate Josh Atkins with another seven seconds back to Jai Crawford and Jamieson, maintaining Jayco-2XU's stranglehold at the top of the general classification following victory in Tuesday's team time trial.

The Russian National Team was again looking to assert themselves, conspiring for an early escape by Valery Valynin by the time the race reached Glenora and the day's cat. 3 climb. Jayco-2XU drove the pace at the front of the bunch to keep the Russian's lead at 40seconds before the race started to split.

As the race hit the Lyall Highway, it was gruppo compacto for the major players however race leader on the road, Atkins punctured with seven kilometres to go, resulting in a few nervous moments.

V Australia, well-drilled and coming off some impressive results at the recent Tour of China, took flight over the final kilometre, launching Kemps to victory – one to savour given Kemps efforts in the dying stages of Sunday's Launceston – New Norfolk Classic which netted him fourth overall.

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