The Carcoar superstar, one of three nominees for the Newcastle Citizen of the Year award, was announced as the winner due to a combination of his sporting achievements in 2014 and his continued support for many charity organisations.

Not long after, he lined up in Sydney hoping to win his 10th title in the Oz Day race, having had a nine-year winning streak broken by David Weir 12 months ago.

Fearnley was left devastated after finishing sixth in a gruelling edition yesterday that he says he will never forget. 

The triple Paralympic gold medallist was hampered by equipment difficulties and struggled to keep pace with a fierce field during the race around The Rocks.

“I wanted this bad,” he said afterwards before explaining what he described as a rookie error.

“I made a miscalculation with my wet weather gear.

“Sometimes it works and you hope that is a big chunk of the time and you definitely hope it is on a race like this, but every now and then you get one of those races where you just get ripped apart and that was my day.

“That was my 20th year and, you know what, at the end of the day I might race 40 Oz Days, but I’ll still remember this one.”

Japanese Paralympian Kota Hokinoue rocketed ahead early in the race and remained uncatchable, taking out the title in 21 minutes, 35 seconds.

“He was bold today,” Fearnley said. 

“He made the attack early. I think he sensed a bit of weakness. He’s done that before on me, too. He puts the head down. He’s a hard fellow to catch.

“I wanted this bad, I really did. I’m in good nick – I did faster times on the track than what I’ve done in three years, so the form is there. Look, my mistake.”

After having some time to digest the day’s proceedings, Fearnley addressed his followers on Twitter.

“Tough race, finished back of the pack. With racing, one day you’re cock of the walk, the next you’re a feather duster. Till next year!” he posted.

“Honoured to be announced as Newcastle citizen of the year. Nothing prouder for me than being known as a Novacastrian.”

Sho Watanabe made it a Japanese quinella in the main event, though Fearnley could take a little comfort from the fact his training partner and good friend Josh George filled the final spot on the podium.

The Australians fared better in the women’s and junior divisions of the race.

Five-time Paralympian Christie Dawes narrowly snatched second place behind Switzerland’s Manuela Schar, in her first podium finish since giving birth to her son in 2009.