Climbers Shine As Ward and Appleton Conquer Final PVSL Stage of 2025

The concluding stage of the inaugural Pro Velo Super League delivered a thrilling finale, culminating in a fierce battle up the iconic Campbell’s Pocket climb near Mount Mee.

In the SBS Women’s League, the day’s breakaway took shape midway through the circuit-based race in the Moreton Bay hinterland, featuring Mia Williams (Meridian Blue Cycling p/b 99 Bikes), Karla Bell (McLardy McShane Cycling Team), and Abby McLain (Women’s Cycling Development Initiative).

Racing near Mt Mee, their lead was eventually reeled in as the race approached the final ascent, setting the stage for a dramatic GC showdown.

Overnight leader Lauren Bates (Meridian Blue Cycling p/b 99 Bikes) fought valiantly to stay with the surging front group, but as the climb steepened, the race exploded. Talia Appleton (Praties Cycling Team) launched a decisive attack on the steepest section, instantly creating a gap.

Despite a determined chase from Alli Anderson (Butterfields Ziptrak Racing), Appleton powered to a spectacular stage victory, collapsing in exhaustion beyond the finish line. Anderson secured the overall title, with Sophia Sammons (Praties Cycling Team) completing the stage podium in third.

Talia Appleton (Praties Cycling Team) crossing the line victorious during the Provelo Super League Q Tour Women’s Stage 4 Road Race in Brisbane, Sunday, February 23, 2025. Image: (Con Chronis/PSL)

SumUp Men’s League

The final stage of the men’s series opened at a blistering pace, with an early breakaway of 17 riders, including GC leader Tynan Shannon, signaling an aggressive intent to defend his lead.

The Butterfields Ziptrak Racing team controlled the peloton, keeping the gap to around two minutes, while rivals Brennan p/b TP32 appeared content to let the break contest the stage to protect Jack Ward’s League lead.

With 30km left to go Brennan surged to the front with a renewed sense of urgency, rapidly erasing the breakaway’s advantage.

As the race hit the decisive final climb, Ward and Marriage went head-to-head in a gripping battle. Marriage clung to Ward’s wheel but was unable to match his acceleration in the final sprint. Ward claimed an emphatic stage victory, while Marriage secured the overall classification.