Spratt notches title hat-trick

AMANDA Spratt is the undisputed queen of the Santos Tour Down Under.

The 31-year-old Australian claimed a hat-trick of crowns – consecutively – when she stayed upright, safe and sound from a sizzling hot peloton that suffered immensely from the 34C heat during the 42.5km bike race yesterday.

The Mitchelton-scott twotime national road champion was well protected by her Australian team during the women’s finale of the Adelaide street circuit in the East End before Chloe Hosking claimed stage 4.

“I’m much more excited than the crit (criterium) last year. I stayed upright and it was really fun to be out there to help out (sprint jersey leader Sarah) Roy,’’ Spratt said.

Hosking was ecstatic but at the same time disappointed with her stage victory.

“I did feel a bit of pressure,’’ she said.