Stage One of the 2009 Tour of Hainan led cyclists over 148km of moderately undulating terrain. It included a Cat 3 climb, in which Kiel Reijnen got a point. Near the sprint finish, the team’s job was to set up sprinter Jonny Clarke. He was in 3rd place with 200 meters to go but he just didn’t have the legs to finish it off.
The riders are quickly getting used to the extreme change in weather so their performances will reflect that in the days ahead. Tomorrow’s stage is one of the longest, at 185km and two Cat 2 climbs and one Cat 1 climb. Team Director Danny van Haute agreed it would be a very long climbing day for the team.
Stage Two proved to be as hard as predicted, but as usual the Jelly Belly boys came through. There was one big field sprint at the end with four Jelly Belly riders in it. This allowed the team to set up Kiel for a 6th place finish.
Phil Gaimon also had a great day in the 90 degree heat of Hainan. He was off the front for 50 km and therefore collected KOM points on the 3rd climb and bonus seconds on a points sprint putting him in 9th in the GC. “It was an awesome ride for Phil,” Van Haute said. “He received lots of TV time.”
With good new sometimes comes bad news, and on the second stage that meant Jonny Clarke, who has had bad luck all season with a stomach condition, is retiring from the race.
-Molly Saunders
PR Jelly Belly Pro Cycling Team
