News – Madison Genesis Podium in Normandy

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One of Britain’s top pro cycling teams Madison Genesis podium in Tour of Normandy with Tom Scully

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Team News – Madison Genesis Podium in Normandy

One of Britain’s top pro cycling teams Madison Genesis podium in Tour of Normandy with New Zealand rider Tom Scully

NORMANDYPODIUM

On paper Stage 6 from Torigni-sur-Vire to Caen looked as though it should have been an enjoyable affair. Once again the early spring season weather had other ideas… gusts of up to 95km/h were promised for the entirety of the route, much of which hugged the infamous Normandy coastline. At only 155km the shortest stage of the race was to prove the most demanding.

With nobody wanting to be caught out in the crosswinds, the fight to be at the front was relentless with chaos ensuing behind. Even from the first kilometres riders were dropped from the main group and this continued to be the story of the day – a race of attrition.

With Tom Scully just 5 seconds off the overall lead, the plan was to go all out for the time bonuses along the route. Seeing as 3, 2 and 1 seconds were on offer at the two intermediate sprints, the chance to take the race lead was very real, especially given the difficulty of the stage.

Tom’s perfectly timed attack just before the first sprint of the day earned him second place behind the solo leader at that point, giving him an important 2 second bonus and moving him to within 3 seconds of the race lead. With 10, 6 and 4 second bonuses given to the first three at the finish line, a podium place for Tom would now be enough.

The stage continued at a ferocious pace until there were just 26 riders left in the front group from the original 120 starters; a great scenario for the strong Madison Genesis block. At 10km to go, Floris Gerts of BMC attacked and with not many teams domestiques still riding to mount a chase, he was able to take a 30 second lead and hold it until the finish for a well-deserved win.

All eyes were on the race for GC behind though and Tom, using his track skills, went for a long sprint. Unfortunately his strength and form meant he was given no freedom and was chased down quickly. Finishing in the front group he maintained his agonisingly close third place overall.

Roger Hammond, Team Manager: “It has been a great week of racing for us; the Tour of Normandie was a brilliantly organised race and although difficult at times was great to be part of. Each and every one of the team has worked tirelessly in extremely challenging conditions, a true sign of the grit and determination of these guys. I’m really pleased for the team and for Tom for taking the race on and riding so hard. I’m proud of the result but even more proud of the way they achieved it.”

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