Interview – Evan Oliphant (Raleigh GAC)

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Part of a full strength eight man team for raleigh GAC at the Tour of Reservoir next weekend, Scotland’s Evan Oliphant looks back at last weekend as well as forward to next weekend

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Interview – Evan Oliphant (Raleigh GAC)

Part of a full strength eight man team at the Tour of Reservoir next weekend, Scotland’s Evan Oliphant looks back at last weekend as well as forward to next weekend

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1. What was the first lap of the Manx GP like Evan?
Evan: It was a very fast start with lots of attacks but nothing sticking as the bunch were going so quick. The climb was pretty steady on the first lap so was still more less altogether when we finished the first lap.

2. When did the pace start to creep up in the Manx GP.
Evan: The pace started to increase just before the small Kom on the 2nd lap and it was quick up there and all the way to the main climb from that.

3. The race seemed to explode second time up the main climb – was the speed high from the bottom of the climb?
Evan: There was quite a reduction in the peloton by the time we reached the second main climb and it was full on from the bottom creating lots of splits.

4. Overall, was this race different to other Prems because of the long mountain climb?
Evan: Yes. The long climb made it different as there was less attacking as everyone knew all the damage would be done on the main climb.

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5. Next weekend is the Tour of Reservoir where you have had success before. With two Prems in the legs, are they in good shape for the closest Prem to Scotland!
Evan: Yeah, I’m looking forward to the Reservoir. I’ve gone well there in the past with a couple of wins and many top 10s and having a couple of big races in the legs now will hopefully help me.

6. Stage 1 is 7 laps around the reservoir – no major climbs but 90 miles – a tough stage which you have won before?
Evan: I’ve won that stage twice before, once on my own and once from a 2 man group at the finish. It’s a pretty wearing down circuit.

7. Stage 2 on the big loop around Blanchland with the big climb plus loops of the Reservoir. Describe how tough this stage is for the riders?
Evan: It is a super tough start straight up the steep climb but being the 2nd stage now instead of the first day, there might be a little bit more control by whatever team has the leaders jersey after stage 1.

8. Finally, you have seen the course for the Tour Series in Edinburgh – how different is it to the ones used before?
Evan: It still includes the cobbled climb and a few more cobbles than before but the lap is slightly bigger so giving a little more recovery between the climb each lap but it will still be one of the toughest rounds.

The Raleigh GAC team for Tour of Reservoir is Matthieu Boulo, Morgan Kneisky, Seb Mora, Albert Torres, Adria Moreno, Evan Oliphant, Craig Wallace & Steve Roach

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