Australian Damien Howson eclipses Chris Froome to win Herald Sun Tour
Briton Ian Stannard from Team Sky claims victory on the final stage in Kinglake in Victoria
Young Australian Damien Howson upstaged international stars Chris Froome and Esteban Chaves on Sunday to win the overall Herald Sun Tour ahead of fellow countryman Jai Hindley.
Briton Ian Stannard from Team Sky crossed the line first on the 121 kilometre fourth and final stage in Kinglake in Victoria state, just ahead of New Zealander Aaron Gate from Aqua Blue Sport.
Howson from Orica-Scott, 24, and 20-year-old Hindley from the Australian National Team led the overall standings since stage one on Thursday ahead of third-placed Frenchman Kenny Elissonde from Team Sky.
“I’m really happy to join that list of guys,” Howson said. “It’s my first overall win ever. It’s also nice to break into new territory for myself.”
— Jayco HeraldSun Tour (@HeraldSunTour) February 5, 2017
Defending champion and three-time Tour de France winner Froome from Team Sky hailed the South Australian’s efforts to become the overall winner of his country’s oldest stage race.
“Damien Howson was really strong,” said the 31-year-old Briton, who finished sixth in the overall.