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Report: Tour DoonHame

Saturday - Monday, 3-5 April, 2010 - Round 2, Premier Calendar Race Series
Report & Images: Joolze Dymond
Event Home | Results | Video Interviews

Joolze Dymond's Stage 2 Slideshow

Chris Newton Interview  - More video Interviews (Ian Wilkinson, Jonny MvEvoy, Ian Bibby)

STAGE 2 REPORT

Chris Newton made it two from two in a thrilling bunch finale on stage two of today's Tour DoonHame. Following a day of breakaway attempts over the several major climbs of this 96 mile stage, Raleigh, Sigma, Endura and Rapha all spent time in the ascendency, with yesterday's escape act just metres from the finish line still fresh in the memory of all riders.

Approaching the flamme rouge a huge bunch finish was guaranteed, despite tireless work from both Endura and Rapha to set a decisive break free. Across the line, Newton had time to celebrate in style, however the lack of any clear leader on time now leaves every team on red alert for what is set to be a thrilling last day at the Tour DoonHame.

The Stage As It Happened

Day two of the Tour DoonHame started cold, breezy and overcast as the peloton departed from Dumfries, with only a snow-dusted horizon and - for some - painful memories of the previous day of racing for company. Crashes and a late, late escape underlined an indifferent day for the peloton on the opening day of the Tour, so today there was always going to be an increased attentiveness within the bunch from the start.

Despite decreased numbers, a total of 108 riders left the neutralised zone and entered the race proper. Most notably missing was Andy Tennant who exited the race ill, while a broken collarbone and two further head injuries were amongst the walking wounded who would not continue on day two.

SW Scotland boasts some immaculate small towns and villages

Early Attacks

Almost immediately breaks began to form and after some basic moves, a group of thirteen riders went clear as the sun broke over southern Scotland. Containing Grant Bayton, Ian Bibby, Zak Dempster, Dan Craven, Rob Hayles, Rob Partridge, James McCallum, Kit Gilham, Wouter Sybrandy, Yanto Barker, Liam Holohan, Ashley Brown and Colin Parry this group worked well to gain good time. But as this break gained 59 seconds, Team Raleigh hit the front and took responsibility, policing the gap until the second major climb of the day, where the peloton would reform.

This hard work only resulted in a brief respite however, and once on the climb a group of 40 riders distanced themselves, only to be caught on the following descent. At this stage the race was already well ahead of schedule, travelling at a 27mph average - the only casualty Alex Blain who retired at the second feed following a crash.

For the remaining riders the pattern of sprinting for points and chasing breaks would continue; Endura and Rapha again heading the race until eight riders slid clear in sight of the closing stages. With both teams represented by Ian Wilkinson and Tom Southam and Jon Teirnan-Locke respectively, and a lead of 1 minute 20 seconds accrued with thirty minutes of racing remaining, most presumed no chase would take place and the final day would result in a two way battle between the largest teams in British domestic road racing.

But running into the finish - and much to the surprise of the photographers - there was to be a sprint finish from which Chris Newton would emerge with his distinctive yellow jersey. Making it two wins in as many days, Malcolm Elliott would come closest to Newton's wheel, followed by teammate, leading second category rider and leading under-23 Jonny McEvoy.

Chris Newton wins again, this time in the yellow leader's jersey

Post-Race Shakedown

Following the podium and provisional results being released, there was still a delay on any official result being published. Late last night we got word this was due to the disqualification of Endura rider Alex Blain who, following a mechanical was helped back to the bunch by the team car.

During this period of towing, Blain crashed heavily on one of the roads many potholes (which were the cause of many punctures in the peloton), only to get up and receive the same help again.

All of this was done in front of the race officials, who promptly disqualified Blain and would later decide to relegate the Endura team car to the back of the corsage - something which could dramatically effect tomorrows result should bad luck strike the Endura team.

Results - Full Results including General Classification

Stage 2
1 Chris Newton Rapha- Condor- Sharp E 3:48:22
2 Johnny McEvoy Motorpoint - Marshalls Esp 2 st
3 Malcolm Elliot Motorpoint - Marshalls E st
4 Wouter Sybrandy Sigma Sport Spec. E st
5 Ian Wilkinson Endura Racing E st
6 Jack Bauer Endura Racing E st
7 Evan Oliphant Endura Racing E st
8 Marcin Bialoblocki Wilier-Bigmaggys.com E st
9 Matthew Kipling Glasgow Wheelers E st
10 Peter Williams Motorpoint - Marshalls E st

Endura Hot Spot Sprints Competition
1 21 Kristian House Rapha- Condor- Sharp 15
2 33 Ian Wilkinson Endura Racing 15
3 18 Peter Williams Motorpoint - Marshalls 10
4 84 James Stewart Team Raleigh 10
5 28 Chris Newton Rapha- Condor- Sharp 6
6 44 Stephen Adams Sigma Sport Spec. 4
7 27 Graham Briggs Rapha- Condor- Sharp 4
8 45 Kit Gilham Sigma Sport Spec. 2

J&B Print Ltd King of the Mountains
1 11 Ian Bibby Motorpoint - Marshalls 19
2 32 Rob Partridge Endura Racing 18
3 86 Liam Holohan Team Raleigh 14
4 18 Peter Williams Motorpoint - Marshalls 9
5 42 Simon Richardson Sigma Sport Spec. 9
6 26 Dan Craven Rapha- Condor- Sharp 7
7 24 Jon Tiernan Locke Rapha- Condor- Sharp 6
8 47 Wouter Sybrandy Sigma Sport Spec. 4
9 23 Tom Southam Rapha- Condor- Sharp 4
10 13 Ed Clancy Motorpoint - Marshalls 4

General Classification After Stage 2
1 Chris Newton Rapha- Condor- Sharp E 6:37:41
2 Evan Oliphant Endura Racing E at 0:18
3 Ian Wilkinson Endura Racing E at 0:18
4 Peter Williams Motorpoint - Marshalls E at 0:21
5 Johnny McEvoy Motorpoint - Marshalls Esp 2 at 0:22
6 Kristian House Rapha- Condor- Sharp E st
7 Malcolm Elliot Motorpoint - Marshalls E at 0:24
8 Kit Gilham Sigma Sport Spec. E at 0:27
9 Matthew Kipling Glasgow Wheelers E at 0:28
10 Wouter Sybrandy Sigma Sport Spec. E st

Full Results