Brammeier looks strong as he drives the breakaway
Matt Brammeier has shown some great early season confidence and form by going on the attack on the third stage of the Santos Tour Down Under.
The 26-year-old attacked the peloton alone around 10km into today’s stage and bridged to a three-man breakaway that had already gone clear which included Eduard Vorganov (Katusha), Jan Bakelants (RadioShack-Nissan) and Thomas de Gendt (Vacansoleil).
The quartet combined well and gained a lead of over five minutes by the 30km mark.
However, having been outwitted yesterday by stage winner Will Clarke’s epic solo breakaway, the sprinters’ teams were not about to let that happen two days running.
The breakaway’s chances were also hampered by the fact that all three riders Brammeier was with were well placed on GC and so represented a threat not only for stage honours but also for the overall.
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Indeed, once the three riders with Brammeier had contested the last intermediate sprint of the day they seemed to have little interest in persisting with the breakaway.
Earlier, Brammeier and his fellow escapees had battled very well but before half way into the 134.5km stage, the peloton began to chase and the gap was gradually pegged back.
By the time the peloton reached the 66km point, the gap to the four up front was down to 1:50. However, it was extended again to 2:30 with just under 75km done as the breakaway dug in in an effort to survive at least until the next intermediate sprint.
With just under 100km covered the breakaway was closed down.
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Brammeier managed to get away from his fellow escapees in the hope that with the GC contenders back in the bunch he might be let go up the road alone. However, it was not to be and after a brief stint leading the race solo, he was caught by a peloton hurtling towards the finish at 60kmph despite the crosswinds.
Brammeier at least had the comfort of knowing he had scored some KOH points while up the road, taking second on the second cat Sellicks Hill at the 43km point, leaving him fourth in the KOH overall.
When he was reeled in he got back into the bunch and helped position his team’s lead-out train at the front of the peloton, before swinging over after one last pull as the bunch sped towards the finish in Victor Harbour.
The stage was won in a bunch sprint by Andre Greipel (Lotto Belisol), his second victory in three days. The German also moves into the leader’s ochre jersey.
Yauheni Hutarovich (FDJ-BigMat) was second today with Edvald Boasson Hagen (Sky) in third.
Brammeier lost 1:02 on the peloton due to his breakaway and lead-out efforts and came home in 126th place. He is now 74th overall.
There were conflicting reports that he lost the time today due to a late puncture, but this is unclear. However, he did appear to be credited with the peloton’s time on the stage for his GC position.
It was a very good early season showing today by Brammeier, who is in Australia to primarily help his team sprinters try to get a result. He is not looking for top form until the spring classics.
He is just getting over having had a surgical procedure a couple of months ago to have a pin removed from his leg. While it is very early days in the new season, he certainly seems to have recovered well from that.
The Irish champion’s jersey got plenty of exposure today
