Pat on the front

The weather gods have continued to shine on the Tour of Gippsland as another perfect day dawned for the Sale criterium. With another short and flat course there was plenty of speed as soon as the gun was fired. AJ’s started the day with a 13 point lead and as usual there were plenty of riders challenging his lead, Luke Davison managed to steal a few points on two of the sprint points reducing AJ’s lead to 8 by the end of the race, which was won by Drapac rider Malcolm Rudolph.

The afternoons 102 km stage was the Queen stage of the tour finishing at Dargo. With some serious KOM’s and sprint points along the way. Some early breakaways were never allowed much freedom and all were brought back with everyone nervous about giving someone too much leeway. Amongst the early one’s to try was Gordon Macaulay from New Zealand and later on Darren lapthorne, both high pedigree riders. A larger group than was expected stormed into Dargo and in fading light Jack Beckinsale took the win. AJ had lost a few more points to Luke Davison along the way but still held onto the leader’s jersey by 3 points. AJ was relieved to have got through the tough stage with only minor point’s loss and is confidant of finishing the job over the coming days.