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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