Team News: Zak Dempster Wins Stage 2 at Czech Cycling Tour

Australian Zak Dempster (Endura Racing) has won the second stage of the Czech Cycing Tour (UCI 2.2)

Australian Zak Dempster (Endura Racing) won the second stage of the Czech Cycing Tour (UCI 2.2), outsprinting his breakaway companions on the uphill finish in Prostějov to put the disappointment of the team’s second place finish in Thursday’s opening Team Time Trial behind them.

Rene Mandri made the first break of the day, a fifteen strong move that gained over two minutes at one point before being caught by the peloton as the roads turned upwards. Zak Dempster was amongst a group of ten riders who broke clear in the second half of the 147km stage and they worked well together, quickly building up a lead of four minutes.

The bunch behind tried to close the move down, halving the lead over the next 20km, but the break prevailed and as they reached the steady climb up to the line, Zak put the power down to emerge from the group as stage winner and moved up to third on GC.

The Czech Cycling Tour continues with a 195km stage between Jeseník to Šternberk on Saturday before Sunday’s final stage which starts and finishes in Olomouc on Sunday.

Zak Dempster: I’m over the moon to get the win today. I’ve been fighting and fighting all year for it and I really feel I’ve been close a few times in UCI races. The whole team did a great job again today and everyone is always a part of it whenever any of us wins. Tomorrow should definitely be interesting.

Zak has followed up his two wins in the Halfords Tour Series with a UCI road race win as well… more to follow we hope.

Alex Sans Vega (Sporting Director): This is an important win for us. First, because the guys were disappointed after the second place in the Team Time Trial yesterday, which we had a great chance of winning. Secondly, for Zak himself – he’s in a great shape at the moment and after his recent performances and wins at the Halfords Tour Series, he was committed for an UCI win. This win give us more confidence as a team and boost to Zak for the rest of the race.

In the UK, British Cycling’s Premier Calendar series recommences on Sunday with the Beaumont Trophy in the North East of England. Newly crowned British Circuit Race champion Scott Thwaites will be hoping to extend his lead in the fifth round of the seven race series on the circuit where he won the British U23 Road Race Championships in 2011. Squad – Scott Thwaites, Russ Downing, Ian Bibby, Paul Voß, Jon Tiernan-Locke, Rob Partridge and Oli Beckingsale (Endura MTB Racing).

Standings after four rounds:
1 Scott Thwaites Endura Racing 278
2 Marcin Bialoblocki Node 4 – Giordana 180
3 Russell Downing Endura Racing 175
4 Jonathan McEvoy Endura Racing 154
5 Erick Rowsell Endura Racing 149

In Friday evening’s Virgin Money Cyclone Leazes Criterium in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Paul Voß finished second to Richard Lang (Rapha Condor Sharp) in a photo finish after an hour of savage circuit racing in the shadow of St James’ Park.