Boris Shpilevsky secures Hainan with stage win

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Boris Shpilevsky (Russia) won stage 8 into Sanya giving himself a 14 second buffer going into tomorrow’s circuit race.

Racing from Dongfang to the starting town of Sanya, the 178.1Km stage included three category climbs and three sprints. Heading out of town the race encountered some very rough roads, but soon the roads turned smooth again and headed upwards. A four man break occurred before the base of the first and main climb of the day gaining 1 minute 45 seconds on the peloton. The break which included Mateusz Taciak (Mroz) took out maximum points on the KOM. By the second sprint at 92Km they had been caught. By the top of the second short but steep KOM the peloton had split into two large groups, and with only seconds dividing the minor placing’s, the riders left behind worked hard to rejoin the leaders.

By the top of the final KOM and only 30Km most had rejoined. The riders then had to negotiate a tricky descent with sharp corners and speed humps. Australian rider riding for Savings and Loans Johnathon Lovelock came off worst for wear crashing into a ditch. He was lucky to escape with no broken bones, but will have a few deep cuts to heal.

The riders headed into Sanya along the picturesque seaside road, and with most riders together another group sprint was in order. Once again though it was Boris Shpilevsky (Russia) asserting his authority winning comfortably and virtually assuring him overall GC honours after tomorrow’s street circuit.