This race is now in it's 35th year, however for the first time in 2015 the race is on the UCI calendar. Starting in Hagerdorn the course is a short punchy 9km lap, with a two short hills and narrow single track roads. The lap was to be completed a total of 11 times, and on this course would have to be ridden aggressively if a small group or solo rider would have a chance of breaking clear, rather than it being left for the peleton to fight out in a sprint to the line.
Orica were on the attack before long, and with each lap they launched different riders over the short GPM climb. With 30km to go there was a lead break of two riders, followed by a reduced bunch containing many of the big contenders, followed by a trailing peleton behind.
Weighing up the situation, the break being represented by both Cipollini and Orica, I decided to attack and bridge across to the duo, thinking it had a good chance of succeeding to the finish line.
For Cipollini this was clearly not the rider combination they wanted to see reaching the finish line, and they worked together to reel us back in. Before long the peleton was creeping back on our heals. It was time for plan B, back in the bunch and wait for the next attacks to come.
Orica were continuing to dominate the front of the peleton and Lizzie Williams was able to attack and ride away approaching onto a fast descent. Sitting tight I thought that this move would be chased back. It was not to be! Lizzie stayed away for a solo win, and our reduced bunch of 40 or so riders raced a hectic sprint to the line. Vale Scandolara also from Orica took the sprint making it an Orica 1-2, and Rasa Leleivyte (Aromitalia-Viaano) took third .
Two of our Maxx Solar riders finished well in the main peleton, with Corrina taking 11th place and Beate in 12th.
Next weekend we have a shorter journey to Illsfeld for the Auensteiner Radsporttage UCI 2.2 three day stage race. In the meantime I'm practicing my der, die and das at least trying to grasp some basics of German lingo. It's safe to say the German language is rather confusing and overwhelming at times!!
Orica were on the attack before long, and with each lap they launched different riders over the short GPM climb. With 30km to go there was a lead break of two riders, followed by a reduced bunch containing many of the big contenders, followed by a trailing peleton behind.
Weighing up the situation, the break being represented by both Cipollini and Orica, I decided to attack and bridge across to the duo, thinking it had a good chance of succeeding to the finish line.
For Cipollini this was clearly not the rider combination they wanted to see reaching the finish line, and they worked together to reel us back in. Before long the peleton was creeping back on our heals. It was time for plan B, back in the bunch and wait for the next attacks to come.
Orica were continuing to dominate the front of the peleton and Lizzie Williams was able to attack and ride away approaching onto a fast descent. Sitting tight I thought that this move would be chased back. It was not to be! Lizzie stayed away for a solo win, and our reduced bunch of 40 or so riders raced a hectic sprint to the line. Vale Scandolara also from Orica took the sprint making it an Orica 1-2, and Rasa Leleivyte (Aromitalia-Viaano) took third .
Two of our Maxx Solar riders finished well in the main peleton, with Corrina taking 11th place and Beate in 12th.
Next weekend we have a shorter journey to Illsfeld for the Auensteiner Radsporttage UCI 2.2 three day stage race. In the meantime I'm practicing my der, die and das at least trying to grasp some basics of German lingo. It's safe to say the German language is rather confusing and overwhelming at times!!