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Team Cyclingnews.com - 2005

Team Journal Entry - June 15, 2005, by Cam Jennings

Second by a bee's...

Hi,

Finishing just behind
Photo ©: Team CN
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Last time I wrote we had just completed Tryptique Ardennes - the team performed well, with numerous top placings on stages and Glen walking away with the KOM jersey. Have had three races since and some good training in readiness for our next outing, GP de Beauce in Canada.

The weekend after Tryptique we raced a kermesse in Ramsel, just down the road. Leigh lined up for his first race back and immediately got up the road in the race winning break. After a chase from a few numerous teams had bought it back to 20 seconds I jumped out of a corner and looped across. I was pleased to see when I made contact that nobody had sucked my wheel on the way and that I was the last rider to make it. This is how it stayed for the next 70km, swapping off and gradually building the lead to two minutes. Last lap after a few attacks, five of us got away to sort out the placings. In the sprint finish I hestitated a little too long to start the sprint and the guy in front of me got the jump. Second by a bee's...Leigh showed that his home trainer work had not been a waste of time after a strong ride in the break all day. Other guys all finished safely.

I was all fired up for our next race the following Sunday, Wavre-Rineman, a nice 1.2 raced not far from home. Had a good week of training which included a kermesse at Stok-Kortenaken but this was used for training and I sat in all day and watched the race unfold. Glen had another good day at Stok - up the front all day in the race-long break.

Last year in Wavre-Rijenaman I had a good attacking ride, finishing 12th and was keen for something the same or better. But sometimes the best laid plans come unstuck and wasn't feeling the best come race day. Can't really explain it but just wasn't feeling comfortable on my bike and nothing seemed to go my way. Got away a few times but all moves were ultimately doomed as the Rabobank team took over and wound it up for their sprinter. Last breakaway group was caught with 3km to go and the front group of 60 riders rumbled down the finish straight. I tried to move up a few times but got shut down both times as the bunch moved acrsos the road. Rolled in 44th to see Rabobank rider Hans Dekker win. Quickly got changed and rode 25km home. Most of the guys had a good day. Leigh's form continues to improve and Bok had a good day getting into the final break that was caught with 3km to go.

Two cruisy days then I lined up for another kermesse at Neiuwrode; a good course with a little hill, and a race where I placed second last year. Every man and his dog showed up today as I glanced around the start and spotted 165 as the highest frame number. It was on from the gun as per usual and didn't let up for 120km. We were all travelling well and the Belgians were all over us. Glen couldn't pass wind without half the bunch smelling it.

Come five laps to go it started to get interesting. A few breaks were going and wheels were being let go up the hill. Started to put a bit of pressure on the front with a few others, and eventually with three to go got away after taking the last prime. Coming into the sprint, 14 guys were lining up and with no real fast guys present I had a good chance. Unfortunately came up a little short and had to settle with a blanket finish for fifth. Glen came in a little later for 15th after finally shaking the bunch from his wheel. Got changed, hung around in a smokey pub waiting for my coin and then headed off home.

So Canada. Yes we are off to Canada for Tour de Beauce on Saturday. It starts on Tuesday so we will have a few days to settle in and cruise around Quebec for a few days. Looks to be a good tour with stages around 160-180km in length and a few circuit races. Also a 25km time trial. We don't have TT bikes, disc wheels, TT helmets or even skin suits for that matter but will still give the tour a good nudge. She'll be right...

Till next time we meet,
Cameron

 


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