News: Win for Downing in France

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Former British Champion Russell Downing sprinted to a glorious stage win, several bike lengths ahead of the competition on the 202km stage from Orchaise to Chailles on day two of the Tour du Loir et Cher.

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News: Win for Downing in France

Russell Downing sprinted to a glorious stage win, several bike lengths ahead of the competition on the 202km stage from Orchaise to Chailles on day two of the Tour du Loir et Cher.

The elder statesman of the team, Downing was designated to ride for the team sprinter, Chris Lawless, but cramp forced the youngster to relinquish the opportunity in the bunch kick, allowing Downing to go for broke and take victory on stage two of Tour du Loir et Cher. “After a crash yesterday I wasn’t feeling tip-top and getting dropped on the climbs with just no power going through my legs” explained Downing.

“I did a squeezed leadout and when Chris told me to go, I must have gapped them and managed to win by a few lengths… Pretty chuffed to be back wining again, as it’s been a while. Life in the old dog yet”

Video of the finish here ….

How the stage unfolded

Completely exposed, the forecasted rain soon came down and the pace in the bunch had eased as they entered the narrow back lanes that wound their way through farmers’ fields. The breakaway of five had built up a lead of 10 minutes but as the race entered the second half, the bunch started to gradually bring the gap down.

The race entered the finishing circuit with 20km to go and both Russ Downing and Ali Slater worked well to protect sprinter, Chris Lawless. Downing and Lawless were at the front of the pack as they came round the final corner and with 400m Downing started leading-out Lawless who cramped and gave Downing the “okay” continue on to take the sprint. Keeping his sprint going, Downing was able to power his way through the bunch and go clear of everyone by several bike lengths and crossed the line first with his hands in the air.T

Team Manager, John Herety added,
“I could see Russ was struggling early on and the crash yesterday meant he was in discomfort on the bike. Once we got over the first climb and into the lanes I didn’t see him again all day, then he goes on to win.”

Tour du Loir et Cher, stage 2 results:
1. Russel Downing ( JLT-Condon p/b Mavic )
2. Marco Zanotti ( Parkhotel Valkenburg CT )
3. Edward Planckaert ( Lotto – Soudal U23 )
4. Patrick Clausen ( Riwal Platform Cycling Team )
5. Fridtjof Røinås ( Team Sparebanken Sør)

Stage 3 returns to a previously raced route and at 203km is the longest stage of the race. Rolling hills feature throughout the stage as well as a short gravel climb before the finishing circuit.

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