Eddie Dunbar said he went clear in Utah by chance and to get the sponsors publicity. But he is also determined to ride smart, with some major stages still to come (Photo: Davey Wilson)
By Shane Stokes
After being one of the big animators on yesterday’s fourth stage of the Tour of Utah, Eddie Dunbar has explained his motivation for getting into the move and talked about his plans for the remaining days of the race.
The Axeon Hagens Berman rider went clear with seven others approximately 20 kilometres in to the 154-kilometre stage to Kearns.
He said that it wasn’t a set plan of his to attack. However, known for his aggression, he was quick to make his move when things looked right.
“It wasn’t planned, but it obviously crossed my mind a bit as there was always going to be a break today,” he said after the stage.
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“I didn’t expect it to be as windy as it was, which is a bit disappointing. But I was just on the right wheel at the right time.
Dunbar leading the breakaway on the US highway in Utah; it's a long way from his Banteer routes but the 19-year-old is taking racing against WorldTour riders in his stride (Photo: Davey Wilson)
“I noticed that all the other American Continental teams were represented. I thought it would probably be good if we had someone in there, just for our sponsors.”
The move also included Matthew Busche (UnitedHealthcare), Danny Pate (Rally Cycling), Luis Amaran (Team Jamis), Nicolae Tanovitchii (Lupus Racing), Hayden McCormick (One Pro Cycling), Nicola Bagioli (Nippo-Vini Fantini) and Joe Lewis (Holowesko-Citadel).
They built a lead of three minutes and while the bunch didn’t allow it to grow more than that, Dunbar pushed on with Busche, McCormick and Pate inside 30 kilometres to go.
They were finally hauled back on the finishing circuits.
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“It probably wasn’t the best of breaks to be in,” Dunbar acknowledged afterwards.
“Near the end the coordination between the riders wasn’t that great, but we were there and we were represented, which is probably a good thing.
“We got caught when we passed about three kilometres after the finish line, on the circuits.
“One of the UHC guys attacked and he got away. I just sat up. I knew we would be caught and it was just a waste of energy.”
It was great to see Dunbar up the road and to hear him talking about being able to hold back a little to save himself even though he was off the front (Photo: Davey Wilson)
However that proved fortuitous, given that his well-placed teammate Neilson Powless ran into problems.
“It was lucky because I think Neilson actually got a mechanical, a flat tyre,” Dunbar said, speaking about the kilometres after his recapture.
“I stayed with him and helped him to get back. It was just pointless wasting energy attacking for no reason.”
The Axeon Hagens Berman team has been one of the most impressive in the race, and ended the day with Adrien Costa just seven seconds off the race lead held by Lachlan Morton (Jelly Belly p/b Maxxis) and Poweless in tenth overall.
While Dunbar was up the road, he said that he kept the big picture in mind.
“I tried to be smart in the break and save as much energy as I could as we have two guys in the top ten in GC and Adrian is within ten seconds of winning this race.
“It is important to be fresh for the next few days and help his as much as I can. I am looking forward to it, I feel good and hopefully it will go well.”
The Axeon Hagens Berman team is one of the best youth teams in the world.
It is run by Axel Merckx, son of cycling great Eddy Merckx, and the Belgian believes that Dunbar is a major prospect.
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