3 days ago
TSG rider claims Most Combative Rider award at Ordiziako Classic
KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu Cycling Team's (TSG) Spanish Classics campaign continued on a positive note at the Ordiziako Classic in the Basque Country yesterday (July 25).
Stefan de Bod's spirited efforts in the 167 kilometre race saw him rewarded with the Most Combative Rider award in the UCI 1.1 event which is part of the UCI European Tour.
The South African joined an early breakaway and did his best to match some of the best riders in the world.
But in the end, it was the big boys from UAE Team Emirates-XRG - the team of the great Tadej Pogacar - who swept the podium.
Igor Arrieta claimed the win in three hours, 50 minutes and 23 seconds after pipping Giro d'Italia runner up Isaac del Toro to the line. Antonio Morgado (+16s) completed the podium.
Mathias Bregnhoj was the highest placed TSG rider, crossing the line 34th (+1:18s) ahead of Vadim Pronskiy (44th, +2:18s), De Bod (59th, +4:45s) and Kee Zhe Yie (91st, +14:34s). Nur Aiman Rosli and Nur Aiman Zariff did not finish while Anatolii Budiak did not start due to a fever.
De Bod, who is in his first season with TSG, was pleased with his performance.
"It was a good day, we tried something a little bit different and took a chance," said de Bod.
"When racing against the big teams it is difficult to get the results you want, so you have to think proactively.
"I decided to go in the break during the first climb when I saw the opportunity.
"Unfortunately, it did not go closer to the line. But still, I did my best and showed (highlighted) the (TSG) jersey for the team and won a small prize for the Most Combative Rider."
The race featured five category-three climbs which left riders with little room for respite.
TSG, who competed at the Terres de L´Ebre Classic earlier this week, will next compete at the Circuito de Getxo-Memorial Hermanos Otxoa race (172.2km) on Aug 3.