As with any stage race (like the Tour de France) there is competition within competition. Some race just for the stage win, while others race for the overall win. Last weekend, Team RSAWEB lined up for the Orbit Tour de Worcester – first race of the 2011 Aca Joe Pro Classic Spring Series – and kicked off the season with a 3rd place podium position for Jos Le Roux, and 5th place position for team mate Robert Quinn.
Team RSAWEB rider, Jos Le Roux, shares the team’s experience:
On this warm, sunny day for 98km Team RSAWEB spared no energy attacking to get a successful break off the front of the peloton. By half way, 7 riders formed this successful break and opened a 2 minute gap. Once through the 3.2 km dirt section (a shallow climb), the break was down to 4 riders: Jos Le Roux (Team RSAWEB), Leonardo Van Onselen, Danie Marais and Theuns Van Der Bank.
In the chase-group, teams that had missed out were in pursuit of the break. Over the dirt section the peloton split, but then shortly rejoined once on the tar again.
Jos could feel the peloton creeping back to the break (now at 30 seconds) and made a large effort over the final 12km to assist the break. This in turn weakened his sprint against his companions and managed 3rd place for the stage. This, however, has kept Jos in close contention going into the next stage.
As the bunch came in to finish, 30 seconds behind the break, Team RSAWEB lead out the field. Robert Quinn (Team RSAWEB) claimed a small win with 5th place, which has given Team RSAWEB the lead in the team competition, and again, going into the next state, the team is in a strong position.
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