Sanderson claims final stg
Victorian Nic Sanderson, 20, has won the bunch sprint for victory in the final stage of the Tour of Japan in Tokyo. The sixth stage was raced over 17 laps of a flat circuit at Ooi Wharf.
Sanderson's victory gave the AIS Mapei Aqua Australian team it's second win of the event with Tasmanian Matthew Goss, 18, winning the opening stage opn which Sanderson was second.
"The guys worked hard to put a rider in almost every breakaway group today and then took control in the final lap to position Sanderson for the final sprint," said Australian U23 Coach Brian Stephens. "But with many riders desperate for a result there were a few crashes."
Sanderson fell but recovered to claim the win while his team mates James Meadley and Simon Clarke were involved in a crash close to the finish.
Victorian David McKenzie, 30, (Team Wismilak), who had led the race after victory on the second stage, placed seventh on the final stage and ended the tgour ninth overall while his team mate on the Indonesian registered Wismilak line up and fellow Aussie, Phillip Thuaux, was the best placed Australian overall. Thuax performed strongly to finish fourth on the Mt Fuji time trial stage on Friday and ended the Tour fourth overall, 2min30sec behind Tour winner Felix Rafael Cardenas Ravalo (COL - Team Barloworld).
Wood claims points jersey in Tour de l'Aude
Oenone Wood (Team Nurnberger) has won the points classification of the Tour de l'Aude which ended overnight in southern France. The 24 year old Canberra rider, won three of the event's nine stages and amassed a total of 165 points to finish 42 points clear of her nearest rival, Anita Valen of Norway.
But overall Tour honours went to American Amber Neben ( Buitenpoort Flexpoint) by a mere one second margin over defending champion and Wood's team mate, Trixi Worrack (GER).
For further information please contact:
Gennie Sheer, Sheer Rhetoric - Media Manager, Cycling Australia
Mobile: 0418 863 533 Email: gennie@compuserve.com
For rider profiles please visit the Cycling Australia website - www.cycling.org.au