New Zealand rider Simon Van Velthooven was the surprise bolter to take out this years men’s wheel race at the Launceston Cycling Carnival.

Tasmanian Ben Grenda was second and New South Wales rider Mitchell Bulleen finished third in Monday night’s race.

Van Velthooven, 21, told the ABC he was surprised of the win by the slimmest of margins.

“This morning I was really flat and thought this was going to be a long day but a few races out there, nice indoor velodrome and it’s nice and warm and a good crowd,” Velthooven said.

“The crowd always gets it so much better, gets the nerves running and it’s really great here, love the crowd, love the racing, love the riders.”

Van Velthooven scooped the pool winning the lightning handicap final earlier in the night.

“I don’t know if anyone else has done the double but its great to actually get the double here, I would never have thought that,” he said.

Tasmanian rider Emma Lawson has won the final of the women’s wheel race at the Launceston Cycling Carnival.

She beat Rebecca Werner of South Australia while fellow Tasmanian Georgia Baker finished third in last night’s race.