Kevin McCambridge (Trinity Racing) put in a strong showing on the queen stage at Tour of Japan on Mount Fuji. The stage was just 11.8km in length, with the riders starting at the base of the ascent and racing uphill for the entire stage.
The climb averaged 10 per cent for 11.4km but included kickers up to 25 per cent close to the top, with the hill climb stage taking the winner just 40 minutes.
Almost immediately the stage started the peloton began being trimmed back until a large select group formed at the front, which included McCambridge and fellow Irish rider, and team mate, Dean Harvey.
As the climb continued, that group got smaller, with McCambridge continuing to trade blows with the strongest climbers in the race. Eventually the pressure up the final climb saw the front group split to pieces, with McCambridge finishing 10th.
Advertisement
Related News
The Irish rider was 3:00 down on stage winner Nathan Earle (JCL Team UKYO). The Australian, claimed victory by 34 seconds from compatriot Benjamin Dyball (Victoire Hiroshima) with a third Aussie, Drew Morey (Kinan Cycling Team) rounding out the podium at 1:19.
As well as McCambridge in 10th, Irish U23 road race champion, Harvey, placed 21st at 4:33. Jesse Ewart (Terengganu Polygon Cycling Team), an Australian-born Irish rider, was 44th at 8:01.
McCambridge also placed 10th on stage 7, some 107.5km starting and finishing in Sagamihara. The stage was won by the Irish rider's team mate Luke Lamperti - his third win of the race - in a sprint. The group contesting the victory numbered 40 riders after the undulating terrain took its tool. Ewart was 63rd at 1:33 while Harvey finished in 73rd at 2:36.
