Team Coop - Hitec Products

As the new challenge tour tests even the toughest legs during the 3 stages of Santos Tour Down Under. Here’s what happened during the race of Team Coop

STAGE 1

The plan was to go for young riders jersey with Josie and Mari, the team tried several attacks but the race was controlled due to a strong headwind. It ended up being a bunch sprint with Josie ending as 13th rider over the line and Mari in 30th, both on the same time as the winner. 

A very hot day in the saddle for the whole team with the temperature reaching 38 degrees Celsius. This meant a lot of suffering and gaps opening between riders. Josie fought for every second on the descent to the finish and finished in 34th. After the second stage, Josie was ranked as 31st on the GC and Mari 48th. 

STAGE 3

The plan was to try and get Josie into Top 30 GC as this would be 8 more UCI WorldTour points. Georgia formed the break of the day, riding 60km in the leading group of 3. The breakaway was however caught and on the last climb to the finish gaps started opening up between riders. Josie, Mari and Tiril stuck together to try and gain seconds on the GC. This group effort paid off as Josie and Mari came over the line in 24th and 25th, meaning that Josie jumped to 29th on GC and Mari to 39th. So, the first UCI points of the season have already been scored by the team!

Congratulations, Team Coop - Hitec Products! Keep the the wheels running.

Catch them next Saturday, 28th of January at Geelong, Melbourne for the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race



Photo credit to Andy Rogers, Fame and Spear Photography.