Aqua Blue Sport weren't afraid to hit the front today, with the 20km climb of Lake Mountain shaping the general standings. Lasse Norman Hansen surrendered the race lead to Esteban Chaves (Photo: Con Chronis-Herald Sun Tour)
Esteban Chaves takes Herald Sun Tour lead from Aqua Blue Sport
Having worn the yellow jersey into today’s key stage of the Herald Sun Tour, Aqua Blue Sport has relinquished the lead.
Esteban Chaves of WorldTour outfit Mitchelton-Scott stormed away with the stage.
However, Aqua Blue Sport has put in a brave performance in recent days. Taking 3rd on one stage and winning another to hold the race lead for two days has been a good run.
Today, winning his first race since the end of 2016, Colombian Chaves was far too strong for the opposition.
He broke clear on the final ascent to take a solo victory. And that dislodged Lasse Norman Hansen from the overall lead.
Advertisement
Related News
The Aqua Blue Sport rider had been 3rd in the prologue TT, won stage 1 and then held his race lead yesterday.
But when the road went up today the Irish team was hoping Larry Warbasse would make an impact.
He rode solidly, but his finishing in 18th place, at 3:34, was further back than he would have hoped.
An early breakaway was mopped up before the final 20km climb of Lake Mountain. Chaves made his move on the climb from a select group.
And in the end he had 42 seconds to spare on Alexander Evans (Mobius-BridgeLane).
In 3rd place was Ruben Guerreiro (Trek-Segafredo) at 1:09, with a teammate of Chaves, Cameron Meyer, in 4th place on the same time.
Chaves now leads overall by 32 seconds from Meyer, with another teammate Damien Howson in 3rd, at 39 seconds.
Warbasse is best of Aqua Blue Sport overall with one stage remaining; in 19th place at 3:22.
Topics
