News

Thursday 4th October: PureBlack Racing has lifted to 5th place on the Team General Classification at the CAT Underground Mining Tour of Tasmania, with two riders crossing the line in the top ten on Stage 2.

Roman van Uden and James “Jimmy” Williamson finished in 8th and 9th respectively, with Dion Smith close behind the pair in 12th.

The 123.1km course was undulating featuring some big climbs and a number of uncategorised climbs, the results highlighting the versatility of Roman, Jimmy and Dion.  Cross winds, head winds and sun all also contributed to a tough day in the saddle.

Roman picked up sprint and KOM points during the stage, leaving him 2nd on the KOM standings, and 3rd on the sprint standings after two stages.  DS, John “Harry” Harris is looking for team captain Roman to maintain, and fight for these positions over the coming stages.

Despite a number of breakaways leaving the bunch throughout the stage, it was not until the latter part of the stage that one managed to stick. Roman was unfortunate to puncture with 30 km to go, missing out on the sticking breakaway that included eventual stage winner, Darren Lapthorne of Drapac Professional Cycling.

Dion, Jimmy and Roman worked well to make up the time lost, finishing just 2m 39s behind Lapthorne who launched a solo attack on the break with 1km to go, the finished with a time of 3:15:25.

Joshua Alridge, a rider from Auckland, also had a good rider today finishing just behind the trio.

“We were all just happy to get over the line today,” said Roman, “All the guys are going pretty good.”

“It was a good day in the saddle, the boys are looking really great for the next few days,” said Harry, “Taylor [Gunman] had a tough run today, but I know he will bounce back like a bunny rabbit.”

Harry is optimistic about what the team can achieve over the next five days in the Tour of Tasmania.

“We are looking bloody great, and will be targeting a stage win over the next few days,” Harry said, “Today we just got beaten to the punch, and couldn’t cover all the basis.”

Day three of the CAT Underground Mining Tour of Tasmania host the first of three double stage days with a 42km criterium around Westbury (3pm NZT) and a 96.7km road race from Hagley to Great Lake (5.30pm NZT).

Unlike the recent Tour of Murray River, teams have focused on climbing abilities, rather than sprinting teams.  Accordingly, the dynamic of the criterium is likely to be different to what was seen in Murray River.

“There should be more chances of a breakaway in this criterium,” said Roman, “Stage Four is going to be a good stage too with a mountain top finish.”

Riders will complete the road race to Great Lake with a 10km climb at 6%, finishing at 1,200m above sea level.