GUILLAUME BOIVIN SECOND IN SPRINT FINISH AT OPENING TOUR DE BEAUCE STAGE
Rainy skies greeted the peloton for the first stage of Tour de Beauce this year. With an all-star cast of European-based and domestic-based pros comprising the National Team this year, all eyes were on us to control the first stage.
The key was getting a break up the road that was containable and we got what we wanted after only 10km of racing. Jim Stemper (whom I followed in no less then three breaks in the Tour of California) for 5-Hour Energy and a hometown Ottawa native Alex Cataford of Garneau Quebecor would stretch out an advantage of over 9 minutes. This was a few minutes more then I wanted, but with no interest from the other teams forthcoming, we would send Nic Hamilton up front to contain the gap. UHC would help with Davide Frattini and for the next two hours of racing, the gap would be stabilized. Once through the days KOM and intermediate sprints, we’d finally receive help from Bissell and Champion Systems respectively.
The stage wasn’t without its interesting moments as Guillaume Boivin would snap his seatpost just above his frame. Great work from Cycling Canada mechanic Shawn Marshall to remove the stuck innards of the old post and quickly replace it with a post from a spare bike with Guillaume’s Fizik saddle, and we were back in business. A few modifications to saddle tilt and post height and our sprinter was good as new.
The gap would drop and the catch occurred on the day’s last climb with 5km to go. This is the same climb that launched an eventual GC winning move for Sutherland a year ago, so we new we had to be vigilant up front. Some brief attacks and all together with 3km to the finish line.
Our team re-assembled and a formidable leadout took shape with Rollin and Houle in front of Guillaume. This is where our luck would end for the day with Rolling suffering a puncture at the flamme rouge and Houle being taken out in a crash. Guillaume kept fighting and earned and excellent 2nd place behind Stuyven of Bontrager.
With the yellow jersey on the Belgian’s shoulder, perhaps we will get some assistance controlling the race tomorrow. Hugo is currently in the hospital and getting professional care with lots of missing skin for our man who claimed 2nd overall last year. Fingers crossed he can take the start tomorrow where Cycling Canada will aspire one step higher on the podium. A demain.
— Gord Fraser
