Team RSAWEB takes 2nd place at the Tour de Worcester

September 16, 2010

This past weekend saw the start of the Western Province Spring League at the Tour de Worcester, and was the inaugural race for our newly formed Pro Road cycling team, featuring Robert Quinn, James Tennent, Martin Wesemann, Joshua Le Roux, Jaco Cronje and Mark Nel.

The race proved to be an excellent start for the new team who secured a podium in this their very first race wearing the Team RSAWEB colours.

Team member Robert Quinn describes how it all went down:

During the opening 20km, a group of 6 broke away from the bunch, however there was no immediate need for furious pedaling just yet. As we entered the gravel section a group of 15 parted away, bearing in mind that a race is not won on the gravel, but it can be a point where it’s lost. The bunch regrouped, several serious attacks ensued, and thereafter a more definite group of 5 pushed ahead of the bunch… Joshua was Team RSAWEB’s representation in the leading break.

A sturdy pace was maintained as we approached the first steep climb, subsequently this climb ignited the bunch and several splits occurred. At this stage, the lead break was 1min 40 sec ahead of us – the chase groups would influence the overall result of the League series.

The finishing straight was an ideal sprinting platform and the lead break, including Joshua, fought hard to determine the end results of the race. With 2km remaining, Joshua attacked alone, but was joined by a member of Team GT (Erik) within the last 1000m, who then forced Joshua to lead the sprint, took advantage of the situation, and claimed the win.

Joshua and Erik were awarded the same time, which was 16 sec faster than the other 3 racers; and 44 sec ahead of the bunch. The General Classification shows that Joshua leads by 18 sec (with a time bonus), and Team RSAWEB leads the Team Competition by 16 sec.

A great start from the new team – we’re expecting great things from them as the season progresses.