McEwen and Garfoot win in Noosa


McEwen, 41, has lost count of the number of times he has won the event.


Left in his wake this time was Slovakian sensation Peter Sagan, the winner of the last two green jerseys at the Tour de France.


McEwen is himself a three time winner of the Tour de France's sprinters' crown, and he showed there was still plenty of speed in his ageing legs on Saturday, pipping protege Howard on the line.


Fellow Australian Jonathan Cantwell was third, with Sagan finishing back in the pack, although the Slovakian still found time to entertain the large crowd with one of Saints Brandin Cooks Jersey his trademark post race wheelies.


"I am retired and I am going to go back into retirement again tomorrow," said McEwen, who officially quit the sport last year.


"But I can't promise I won't pop out of it for another day again next year."


McEwen had several turns at the front of the field throughout the race, before finding himself in the perfect position to launch one final attack.


"When they pulled back in that last breakaway it gave me just enough time to recover and find the legs again," he said.


"Not much happened after that, it was under control, which gave me a chance to find the legs again and think about the sprint and get myself into position. (Mark Gunter)A breathless Katrin Garfoot crosses the finish line after winning the Noosa Crit. (Mark Gunter)Peta Mullens goes on the attack with Loren Rowney close on her wheel. (Mark Gunter)Peter Sagan shows off in front of the Noosa crowd. The Slovak was a special guest of the event this year. (Mark Gunter)Peter Sagan and Robbie McEwen exchange a few words after the finish in Noosa. (Mark Gunter).