Today's stage was a 144 kilometer loop around the Changhua County. Even with a category 2 climb in the first 14 km of the stage the pace was electric from the start with numerous groups trying gain an advantage
Posted On: 20th March, 2013
Today's stage was a 144 kilometer loop around the Changhua County. Even with a category 2 climb in the first 14 km of the stage the pace was electric from the start with numerous groups trying gain an advantage. Eventually the elastic snapped and a group of 17 riders went clear on the climb with Andy Tennant (Madison Genesis Team) present.
As has been the case so far in this race, they weren't given too much freedom and by 50 kilometers the bunch was all together again. This was immediately followed by a counter attack were a group of 9 riders managed to get a 3 minute lead, but they caught with 20 km to go. Even a late attack by two riders including recent world champion Martyn Irvine could not foil the inevitable uphill bunch sprint, won by Mohd Mat Amid from the Terengganu Racing Team (Malysia). All the Madison Genesis riders were safely in the front group at the finish.
Click here for Liam Holohan's Garmin Connect data
“Today was a frustrating day with Andy's breakaway group not being given any freedom and Ian being baulked by the crash on the last corner. However all are safe and well with the general classification still up for grabs.” Team Manager – Roger Hammond
“The last kilometer was really stressful, we tried to help Ian get a good position at the bottom of the climb but there were riders everywhere and we lost him. At that stage there was nothing more we could do.” Team Rider – Liam Holohan
Click here for a full race report