The 112 Kilometer penultimate stage of the Tour De Taiwan between Taipei City Hall and Linshanbi recreation center featured a seven kilometer climb in the latter stages.
Posted On: 25th March, 2013
The 112 Kilometer penultimate stage of the Tour De Taiwan between Taipei City Hall and Linshanbi recreation center featured a seven kilometer climb in the latter stages. With a coastal 22 kilometer run into the finish there was a small chance for Liam to attack and move up from his overnight 9th place overall.
Once again the stage was completed at lightening pace with the team covering the early moves. The plan was to make the race as hard as possible before the climb and then for Liam to attack and try and survive to the finish in as small a group as possible. Over the climb Liam was part of a select group of 12 riders that crossed the summit with a small lead over the yellow jersey group. However on the descent there was a small regrouping, with the race leader re-joining Liam's group albeit, with only one teammate to help defend the jersey. Unfortunately the 22 kilometer run into the finish was a pan flat coastal road into a very strong headwind. Hardly ideal conditions for a lone attack but with the leader isolated Liam tried anyway, initially gaining 40 seconds briefly making him leader on the road. Behind Liam there was a further regrouping with 2 more riders from the race leaders Drapac cycling team re-joining the chase, spelling an end to Liam's breakaway attempt just 8 kilometers from the finish. The stage was won by Benjamin Giraud from the La Pomme Marseille team.
“I'm pleased with the team today, even against the odds they took the race on and tried until the dying moments to win. It seemed luck was against us but I'm sure they gave everything trying.” Team Manager – Roger Hammond
“I felt really good today and tried as hard as I could to distance the leader. The strong headwind along the coast made the last effort really hard. It was all or nothing today, I'm happy I tried.” Team Rider – Liam Holohan