The fifth stage of the Tour De Taiwan was widely regarded amongst the teams to be the last opportunity to take time in the general classification. T
osted On: 22nd March, 2013
The fifth stage of the Tour De Taiwan was widely regarded amongst the teams to be the last opportunity to take time in the general classification. Two climbs during the 127 kilometer stage (the second of which climbed for seven kilometers to the finish in Kanpanzan), would hopefully provide plenty of opportunities to attack the race leader Bernard Sulzberger (Drapac Cycling). The intense heat returned after yesterday's respite and the riders rolled away from the start outside Taoyuan City Hall under clear skies and temperatures in the low 30’s.
The Madison Genesis riders were active from the very start with Andy Tennant and Ian Bibby featuring in several attempts to break away from the peloton. The co-operation was never good in the groups though meaning none of them really established any kind of serious advantage. It seemed most were content to bide their time and wait to see what happened on the two climbs of the day.
On the first climb the pace was really high and many riders were dropped immediately. By the top a select group of 12 riders had gone clear including team rider Liam Holohan. However with the race leader also present it didn’t survive very long. Approaching the final climb of the day there was a general re-grouping. The strong headwind and several sections where the gradient eased off made it really difficult to attack, but eventually two riders (eventual winner Tsgabu Grmay) prised themselves off the front with four kilometers to go and just about held off the fast approaching remains of the main peloton. Liam was safely in that group but due to time bonuses on the stage dropped to 9th overall.
“The team rode really well today; they tried everything we planned in the team meeting but we had hoped the race would have exploded a bit more than it did. I’m really pleased that the riders were working together, helping Liam when he punctured, through to delivering him in a great position for the final climb. We will try to take time again tomorrow; Liam’s podium is still achievable.”Team Manager – Roger Hammond