Phillippines: Tour of Camsur stage 8, Eddy Hollands Continues SuccessPhillippines: Tour of Camsur stage 8, Eddy Hollands Continues Success
Written by: Jojo Rinoza
Date: Sun May 29 2011
Naga City, Philippines – The “Bicol Express” arrives in Yellow! Irish Valenzuela, a native of Tabaco, Albay arrived at the finish line uncontested as far as the Yellow Jersey was concerned. Finishing 6th place behind stage winner Sergey Kudentov (EHBS), Irish “the Bicol Express” Valenzuela (7-11/RTS Racing) sealed the championship in the Tour of Camsur. This also made 7-Eleven/RTS Racing the winner in the Team Classification.
The stage 8 podium. Kudentov, Aquino and Reynante happily surrounded by the Garmin Podium Ladies
It was a tricky route with an interesting final 700 meters to finish line, with many twist and turns for the peloton to follow as they entered the Camsur Watersports Complex for the final sprint. At the last bend with 200 meters remaining, Lloyd Lucien Reynante (7-11/RTS Racing) came clear, and at his tail were Jerry Aquino Jr. (Schick) and Sergey Kudenston (EBHS). Within the last 50 meters Kudenston passes Aquino, and put stage 8 in-the-bag for Eddy Hollands Bicycle Services, forcing Reynante to settle for third. Coming in with the same time were Ericson Obosa, Irish Valenzuela and nine other riders.
The Bicol Express in yellow, protected by the green train of 7-eleven
Earlier in the race, it was high time for Valenzuela, leading in the Individual Classification with only 29 seconds against Baler Ravina; Valenzuela and the 7-11 squad needed to shutdown all the attacks made by major rivals. At one point the 7-11 team were forced to fizzle out an attack made by Ravina, the closest to rival the GC. Other attempts at a breakaway were made by some of the major contenders in the GC, but they didn't take legs. As the peloton entered the city of Tabaco, they were treated to the beautiful vistas around Mayon Volcano and passing beside the scenic Albay Gulf. They were also duly awarded with lots of climbing! It’s a long haul up and a tired peloton seemed to be settled into their respective standings in the GC, as there were no big attack from anyone.
One of the many beautiful vistas our riders had the chance to take in en route to the finish line
After a fast downhill going to the flat roads, a lone rider from Sorsogon Team made a solo break but was also reeled back in as the peloton neared the final kilometers.
As all of this unfolded, Kudenston was sitting at the back of the peloton and was almost dropped on the climbs, but managed to get back in as the road descended - this behaviour is typical of a sprinter like him. After the climbs it was still a long flat road going back to the finish line, which give him space to recover and eventually win the stage.
The Mayon volcano quietly watches on, hugged by clouds, as our riders speed past
Stage nine will be a criterium race at the Camsur Watersports Complex, and will be considered largely as just a ceremonial race, with no affect to the GC standings. Stay tuned for more stories and photos as we wrap-up the Tour of Camsur.
Kudentov wins stage 8
Keen on the Tour of Camsur?
Stage One (Prologue): Eddy Hollands Blitz it!
Stage Two: Alfredo Ascuncion Starts the Fireworks
Stage Three: Sherwin Diamsay Wins!
Stage Four: Irish Venezuela in Yellow!
Stage Five: Dylan Spiby wins
Stage Six:7-Eleven has done it again!
Stage Seven: Eddy Hollands Takes it
Stage Eight: Eddy Hollands and Kudentov shows his Mettle
STAGE INDIVIDUAL CLASSIFICATION
Pos No SURNAME, Name UCI Code Team Time Gap
Tour of CamSur 2011
Bevoegdheden
Sluiten
