News – Downing is 7th in Mallorca Challenge

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Russell Downing of Cult Energy Pro Cycling was 7th in the final race of the Mallorca Challenge on Sunday, Ben Swift 3rd

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News – Downing is 7th in Mallorca Challenge

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Three riders formed the long-lasting breakaway of today’s fourth and final race in the Mallorca Challenge race series. 168 kilometers were on the menu with a solid climb to stir things up 50 kilometres from the finish line in Palma. However, the bunch sprint was inevitable and Cult Energy Pro Cycling’s oldest rider, Russell Downing finished 7th.

Cult Energy Pro Cycling have dedicated these races to get structurally organized, develop and get to know the tactical set-up. Today’s race was no exception and the team worked beautifully to get organized for the expected bunch sprint. Team Sky were pulling hard within the final 20 kilometers of the race to reel in the escapees in due time.

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Photo: Richard Bennett

With ten remaining kilometers, the break was neutralized and the battle for position intensified on the front of the pack. Over the final meters of the race, Cult Energy Pro Cycling’s Russel Downing was in the mix for the win and he managed to finish 7th in the fast sprint. However, Matteo Pelucchi (IAM Cycling) leaped forward to conquer his second win in the race series ahead of André Greipel (Lotto Soudal) and Ben Swift (Sky).

Cult Energy Pro Cycling DS, Michael Skelde was happy about the effort and the result “The plan was to make the final decision who to set up for the sprint after today’s climb with 50 kilometers to go and it turned out that Russell (Downing) was the man with the strongest legs today”.

“He is an experienced and cunning man to deal with in these kinds of finishes and he knows where and when to make the move and we’re happy to bring home a top-10 result. More importantly, the conclusion of these races is that the boys are already working as a unit after a few races and they’re willing to make the sacrifices needed in order to succeed. I think there’s reason to be optimistic concerning the start of the season,” stated Michael Skelde.

Next race for Cult Energy Pro Cycling is the Italian one-day race, GP Costa Degli Etruschi Sunday 8th of February.

1. Matteo Pelucchi, IAM Cycling
2. Andre Greipel, Lotto Soudal
3. Ben Swift, Sky

7. Fabian Cancellera, Trek
8. Russell Downing, Cult Energy Pro
24. Matt Gibson, GB @ 5 seconds
42. Andy Fenn, Sky
79. Chris Latham, GB
95. Andy Tennant, GB
104. Hugh Carthy, Caja Rural

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