Last year he put his own ambitions on hold to ride for Steele Von Hoff but this year it was Giacoppo, the current national criterium champion’s chance and he grabbed it with both hands. Supported by an all star stellar cast in Pat Shaw, last years winner Alex Carver and new recruit and fellow West Australian Sam Davis, Giacoppo rode an intelligent series.
The first stage around Osbourne Park showed the teams intentions with Giacoppo being lead out brilliantly by the team to take an emphatic victory with Pat Shaw being awarded the Santos sprint jersey. Stage two saw Sam Davis lead a clean sweep of the podium after breaking away late in the stage to win solo with Anthony and Alex taking the remaining spots on the podium.
Stage three saw AJ on the top step once again after an incredibly tactical race which saw Budget Forklifts and Genesys go head to head on a number of occasions with Genesys coming out on top each time. Alex topped off another evening of brilliant teamwork by the squad managing to grab second in the stage even after leading Pat out!
The last stage was more about protecting AJ’s lead than going for another stage. The team did a great job keeping the race together which basically ensured AJ of the win. In the sprint to the line Luke Davidson from Budget Forklifts managed to just get over AJ to take the win they had been searching for all series.
In the final points wash up AJ was the clear winner with Alex in 3rd and Pat in 6th and Sam in 8th place.
