Team News – Madison Genesis in Norway

Mixed emotions on stage 1 of the Tour Des Fjords as Tom Stewart makes the break but illness slows three of the team

Team News – Madison Genesis in Norway

The first stage of the Tour Des Fjords was one of the most spectacular routes I have ever seen. Hugging the Fjords for the entire 170km between Bergen on the West coast of Norway and Ulvik, the scenery was simply breath-taking. With 3 major climbs it wasnâ€™t going to be a stage for the riders to enjoy though!

Within minutes of the official start the attacks came thick and fast and eventually nine riders prised their way off the front before the first major climb of the day, a 7km long strength-sapping brute with the summit after just 42km of the stage. Tom Stewart had made the front group, and working well with his fellow escapees he passed the first climb in second place, taking valuable points for the mountains competition.

The groups lead continued to grow and eventually the group had a maximum lead of over seven minutes before the panic in the group behind provoked a huge chase. Tom rode a fantastic race holding off the chase from several Pro-Tour teams, only to be caught finally on the last climb of the day, just 13 km from the finish. The intense chase behind had taken its toll though, the group completely exploded with a very select few together in the front. Both Liam Holohan (still on excellent form from the RÃ¡s last week) and young Scott Davies made that group, finishing safely with the main general classification contenders.

Team Manager – Roger Hammond â€œToday was a day of mixed emotions with a fantastic ride by Tom in the break, as well as Liam and Scott. To be able to follow the best riders in the world on such a challenging stage was phenomenal. Pete, Dom and Matt are all suffering with a stomach bug leaving them drained. Dom really suffered through the day and I hope he recovers for stage two.â€