Team News: Michael Matthews Scores Win 100 for GreenEDGE in Utah

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Aussie Michael Matthews won a fiercely fought uphill battle to the line in Salt Lake City to take out stage four of the Tour of Utah.

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The young Australian finished off the work of his teammates who had fully committed to delivering Matthews to the top step of the podium. The victory marks Matthews second win and third podium this week and the second victory of his career in Utah’s capital city. It is the 100th victory for the GreenEDGE family since the team’s inception with 62 wins from ORICA-GreenEDGE and 38 wins from ORICA-AIS.

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“The boys did exactly what we said we wanted to do,” said Matthews. “They did a perfect job tonight. We couldn’t have asked for much more out of this race. We’ve got two stage wins and three top threes. We’re all pretty happy with the way things have gone.”

Having lost two riders over Mt. Nebo yesterday, the team was at a distinct disadvantage at the start of the five lap circuit race around Salt Lake City. Sport Director Matt Wilson suspected most of the peloton would look to ORICA-GreenEDGE to control the stage

“With only five guys in the race, it was very hard to organise a lead-out,” Wilson said. “We had to commit three guys to controlling the breakaway, which basically left only Cookie [Baden Cooke] to help Matthews in the sprint. They did an amazing job today. For four guys to do what they did is incredible.”

Jens Voigt (RadioShack-Nissan-Trek) spearheaded the formation of a five rider escape group. The popular German was joined up the road by Marsh Cooper (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies), Francisco Mancebo (5 Hour Energy/Kenda), Chris Baldwin (Bissell) and Craig Lewis (Champion System).

“We had to commit from the start because no one wanted to do any work except for Garmin, who obviously wanted to keep the race together for Lachlan [Morton],” explained Matthews. “They helped us out during the first three laps, but we were on our own during the last two.”

Damien Howson, Sam Bewley and Wesley Sulzberger assumed control ahead of the bunch, setting a tempo that slowly but steadily reeled in the breakaway. Lewis was the last man standing, managing to hold off the field until the final kilometre.

“The team put me in the best position at the bottom of the climb,” said Matthews. “They delivered me to Greg’s wheel, which was exactly what we had discussed in the team meeting. This wasn’t a typical sprint. I had to play my cards right, following Greg in the sprint and seeing what legs I had in the finish.”

“Baden went from 1km to go until about 500 metres,” added Wilson. “As he started to fade, Van Avermaet jumped and made a big effort until 200 to go. From what I understand, he turned around and saw Matthews glued to his wheel and just balked. Matthews came off Van Avermaet’s wheel at that point and put clear distance between himself and the others at the finish.”

Matthews had two big lengths on Van Avermaet as he powered across the uphill finish line. Jasper Stuyven (Bontrager) rounded out the podium. Morton finished safely in the bunch to retain his race lead.

With two wins from Jens Keukeleire this week in addition to the double victories from Matthews, the Australian outfit currently has 30 victories from the men’s team in their second season. Fifteen riders have contributed to the tally.

“It’s pretty unbelievable,” said Wilson. “To even think we could match our success from last year was a little ridiculous, but with what happened at the Tour de France and what’s happened this week, we’re well on our way to better than last year.”

“Fifteen guys have won races,” Wilson continued. “That’s more than half the team. We have more guys who have won races than not on this team. I don’t think there’s any other team that’s doing that right now. It says a lot about the depth of our team, especially when a good portion of those wins of come from our young talent.”

Second Again for BMC - Van Avermaet Earns Third Straight Runner-Up Finish

‘Took My Chance’ – Avermaet attacked on the finishing climb in the shadow of the Utah state capitol building. But the planned lead-out from teammate Michael Schär at the end of the 54.8-kilometer race that comprised five laps of a circuit went askew when the Swiss road champion’s back wheel hit a hole.

“It was really disappointing because my plan was to lead out Greg on the last climb,” Schär said. “But I couldn’t do it anymore because my back wheel was rubbing the brakes and I was too tired. So it was bad luck.”

Van Avermaet, who won Stage 1 against Matthews on Tuesday but lost Stage 2 to him, could not hide his disappointment. “When I saw the parcours this morning, I was really motivated to win,” he said. “The plan was to make a gap, like the first day. We tried to do it, but if he (Matthews) is in my wheel, it’s hard to beat him.”

“I took my chance and tried to win another stage, so I’m disappointed today. It would have been nice to have another victory.” There was no change at the top of the overall standings as Lachlan Morton (Garmin-Sharp) kept the overall lead.

 

 

 

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