Kiwi News

Sam Bewley breaks free at Eneco Tour

Bewley in the break ©Graham Watson

Aug 11th, 11. RadioShack Kiwi Sam Bewley spent over 100km off the front of the peloton on Stage 2 of the Eneco Tour.

After just 4km, Bewley stole off the front of the pack along with Feng Han (Skil-Shimano), Rob Goris (Veranda's Willems) and Jelle Wallays (Topsport Vlaanderen).

They worked up to a 5m15s lead as BMC, helped by Team Sky, rode on the front of the peloton to protect Taylor Phinney's lead.

The 174km stage was raced on the roads of the Flemish Classics.

Over a fair few cobbles, and the climbs of Edelareberg, Berg ter Stene and Tiegemberg, Bewley stayed in the lead until 121km.

"It was a tough day with only four guys into a strong wind. Maybe not an ideal day to be in break, but was nice to be out there!" Bewley told RoadCycling.co.nz

The final 50km of mainly flat roads gave the peloton time to reel in the last of Bewley's companions and for the sprint teams to set up their leadout trains.

Greg Henderson was leading the charge for Team Sky, powering through the final kilometre with Geraint Thomas to set up their leader Edvald Boasson Hagen. The Norwegian won this tour in 2009.

For the second day in a row, however, it was Andre Greipel (Omega Pharma Lotto) who earned the sprint victory.

The German won ahead of American Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Cervelo). Boasson Hagen finished 3rd and picked up a 4sec time bonus to move closer on Phinney's overall race lead. He is now in 2nd place +3sec.

"It was a really nervous day, but the team took really good care of me," Phinney said. "I was hoping to pay them back at the finish with a top five or top three placing. Unfortunately, I conceded some time, which was not part of the plan, but the team is really strong. I'm confident in my legs and looking forward to tomorrow."

Tomorrow's 191.2km stage has been described as an Ardennes Classic. It's constantly undulating profile will test the field.

Full Eneco Tour results ...