Qinghai Lake: Grosu survives first mountain stage to claim sprint victory, race lead
author：qinghaihu publish time：2018-07-24
Australian sprinter Brenton Jones looks dominant with sensational bunch kick victory over slick Xining circuit race final in Tour of Qinghai Lake …
After finishing fourth on the Tour of Qinghai Lake opener won by Georgios Bouglas (Ningxia Sports Lottery-Livall), Australian sprinter Brenton Jones (Delko-Marseille Provence KTM) refused to “get caught napping” on the Stage 2 final.
The 26-year-old Victorian entered the race as one of a handful of sprint favourites and proved just why with a solid kick to the line after completing eight laps over a rain-kissed 115-kilometre Xining city circuit.
“The difference in today’s final is that I used my awareness and my senses a lot more today than I did yesterday,” said Jones after taking the win over Briton Jacob Hennessy (Mitchelton-BikeExchange) and Luca Pacioni (Wilier Triestina-Selle Italia). “I saw [in yesterday’s race report] that I was maybe napping and that was probably true. I was a bit sleepy and everybody was watching what I did yesterday.”
A three-rider break, including Arman Kamyshev (Vino-Astana Motors) of Kazakhstan, Hudry Florian (Interpro Stradalli) of France and ‘Best Asian Rider’ Li Zisen (Qinghai Tianyoude) of China, launched on the first circuit and maintained a narrow gap before their lead collapsed at the ringing of the bell lap.
“Today there was a lot more guys, the road was much faster in the finish and it wasn’t as hard during the stage,” he continued. “It was quite an easy stage and we did a fantastic lead out in the finish.
“It was tough. We didn’t have it all our way, but I was able to find my way and come home really strongly. I’m feeling good, got a good sprint and have a great team.”
For stage runner-up Hennessy, weather may have played a role on the day.
“Today was a lot more hectic,” claimed the 21-year-old from St Neots. “No real lead-out trains because it was so messy. The rain played a big part because you couldn’t really see, and especially if you’re not so confident you leave a little bit extra on the wheel.
“For a few of us Euros, we’re used to racing in the rain, especially from England.”
With 11 stages remaining, including seven possible sprint opportunities following four straight climbing stages, Jones is confident of more results.
“I’ve got the first victory,” explained the new race and points leader. “The pressure is off the shoulders for both me and the team, and now we can concentrate on the next couple of days and finish off this tour strong.”
