Written by Dodge at 12:42 20/5-2017
Mackenzie Larkham might just have saved Dodge's poor year with two defining rides at the late-season Fast on Wheels.
Despite what has often been called a 'sprinter's tour', the Australian time trial specialist upset the form book with a blistering ride in the opening ITT in Esbjerg, Norway before following it up with a close sprint second in Holstebro on Stage 2.
"We're delighted for Mack," Dodge team principal Zee said as Larkham zipped up the red jersey for a second consecutive day. "We knew he could figure in the sprint as long as we gave him adequate support and the lads all came through brilliantly."
Despite Larkham's time trial chops, the win on Stage 1 was by no means a foregone conclusion. Two-time former champion January Bednarz of Katakumby set the early pace and looked set to take out a stage he'd won twice before.
A determined looking Larkham was giving it his all though, as he matched the Pole for time through the intermediate splits before taking the win by two measly seconds.
The result was made all the more sweeter as teammate Sammy Anasta came in seventh to make his mark in both the general and youth classifications.
One could have been forgiven for thinking the tour was all but over for Larkham given the next day's race profile but a strong lead out train delivered the 26-year-old to the line in one piece.
Despite being outkicked by Contador por Siempre's Ismael Insulza, Larkham did enough to finish in second place and increase his lead to seven seconds heading into the hills of Århus.
It remains to be seen if Larkham will continue to be the team's protected rider going forward in this tour or if Dodge will unleash the likes of Jude Potter and Len Boyle in the Stage 4 climbs but don't count this Australian team out just yet.
Subscribers: 11
| |
Comments
Wow, great effort by the little digger. I wish I kept him ;)
|
Other Team's Press Releases
|
|
|
