Tour of Northland- Team Avanti
Tour of Northland - From Mike’s Eyes
On most stages about 15 riders quickly got dropped on hills, about 7 riders got in a break and another 30 rode together in the 2nd bunch. I think most of the elite field was content to finish in the 2nd bunch because there were only about 10 to 15 riders who helped to chase. Our team unfortunately didn’t get in the breaks so ended up chasing the break for most of the tour. I think this will have made us stronger riders but we still have a way to go to be able to make a big impact on the race. The racing was dominated by the Bici Vida team with 6 strong riders.
Our main objectives were to race aggressively and be in contention for stage wins and good GC. Also to get 1st Northlander. We definitely had a presence at the front of the bunch and had some good results. On day four Charles and I attacked to create a break early on but it didn’t gain momentum. Shortly later, another attack and the break went without us in it.
Highlights were:
Daryn10th place on the Stage 1 sprint
Charles’ solo breakaway from the Waipoua Forest on Stage 2 and crossing the line in 3rd place
Nic taking 3rd place in the bunch sprint on Stage 2
Nic taking 3rd place in the bunch sprint on Stage 3
Charles getting 10th on GC and 1st Northlander
I enjoyed doing the Team Manager and domestique roll during the tour. Thanks to the riders of the team for giving their best efforts on the road and being a good bunch of guys to get along with. Thanks to Paul and Tracey for giving us the support to put our team together. Thanks to our other sponsors Vitasport for electrolyte drink, Leppin for energy gel and recovery powder, and to Harraways for supplying oats.
About Team Avanti
Profiles from some of the Team
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