Sunday kicked off the 2009 Sun Tour in Ballarat, Australia. It was a 2.2 mile course with a 600 meter climb to the finish.
Half way through the prologue, an 18-man break took off which include Jelly Belly rider Kiel Reijnen. He was able to stay in the break and finished in 10th.
Team Director Danny van Haute said the windy and wet weather conditions will make for a difficult race this week. However because the team has been through this kind of weather before, they know it means they just have to be even more attentive than usual.
“We will have to watch every move that goes up the road,” he said. “Because of the wind conditions, the breakaway group could stay away and gain a lot of minutes on the peloton. We will have to keep our eyes open at all times.”
Monday’s Stage One is 92.5 miles and includes a Cat 3 and 4 climb. The team will look to set up sprinter Brad Huff for the downhill finish, which could end up being sketchy if it rains all day as forecasted.
-Molly Saunders
PR Jelly Belly Pro Cycling Team
