BiciRace.com :: 2005 Tour of Georgia

2005 Tour of Georgia, Stage 1

Tour of Georgia, USA

Stage 1, Augusta - Macon 207.4 km

19 April

Hunter Makes Magic in Macon, Team Jittery Joe's-Kalahari Rides Smart

Main
Main Stage Report
Photos
The Tim Johnson Phone Tap, No Phone!

Jittery Joe's-Kalahari Report

A stage made for the men of speed. Expect to see a big gun fire on the first stage into Macon.

Team Jittery Joe's-Kalahari Goals: Keep the leaders out of trouble. Our protected riders are Tim, Trent and Geoff. We will try to get representation in the break, but if it is a field sprint, look for Evan to be in the front at the finish.

A hot and humid day greeted the riders as they started Stage 1 of the Tour of Georgia, from Augusta, Georgia. Today the riders covered 207K, as they made their way to Macon. A journey particularly painful and memorable for one young rider. At 15K into the race, Dan Bowman (TIAA-CREF) started a move that was to last for 145K, amazing.

Many teams, including Jittery Joe's-Kalahari, were happy to see the break go so the peloton could relax. A time for the Jittery Joe's-Kalahari to spin their legs on the first day of racing. In the peloton, team Jittery Joe's-Kalahari was protecting their sprinter Evan Elken (from Portland, OR) and looking after their GC men. At one point Bowman's gap reached nearly 11 minutes, but then it started to tumble down slowly. Death was near for strong-man Bowman as Health Net, Phonak and other teams were active in the chase. Bowman's day in the hot sun came to an end, but he did secure the sprint jersey.

Italian duo Marco Pinotti (Prodir - Saunier Duval) and Ivan Fanelli (LPR) lit-up the streets with 50K remaining. The two went on the attack with their heads down and hammering, they caught a fading Bowman, and quickly gained 2'30". BiciRace.com's own, Marco Pinotti was doing the majority of the work, and soon left Ivan Fanelli behind. (Read Marco Pinotti's Inside Scoop!)

But the same super team that brought back Bowman, also brought back a flying Pinotti (from Bergamo). That team was Health Net, setting the pace up for Gord Fraser or Ivan Dominguez. Due to Health Net's strong pace, the peloton was in Macon in no-time and it was a fast Gruppo Compatto.

As the peloton entered the closing three circuits, with 10K, was elbow-to-elbow. Discovery was active at the front, so too were CSC and Jelly Belly. Small moves were able to make it off the front, and with one circuit remaining, CSC's Andy Schleck thought he had won. When Andy came across the line he threw his hands in the air, but it was a mistake.

Schleck was fast forgotten as Phonak, Jelly Belly, and Health Net moved their men into position for a showdown. It was a Jelly Belly and Phonak showdown on the streets of Macon. Robbie Hunter (Phonak) and Ben Brooks (Jelly Belly) were going tooth and nail for sprint honors. But it was fast-man Hunter taking the first stage and the overall lead of the Dodge Tour of Georgia.

So how did the Jittery Joe's-Kalahari boys do? Geoff did great and stayed out of trouble! Christian did not have a good start to the tour. He went to the hospital with severe dehydration and stayed the night. He will not be starting in Stage 2 and BiciRace.com sends our best wishes. Jonny rode a solid stage, did a great job covering moves and keeping "T-Lo" (Trent Lowe) and Geoff out of trouble. Evan suffered a little today but he is finding his legs, expect more from this strong man. Tim, he did great and is hammering with the big boys. T-Lo, keep an eye out for this rocket on Brasstown! Bruno is settling in great with the team and race. Look for Bruno in a break this week! And finally, the young gun, Craig. Caps off to Craig, he rode his longest ride in his life!

Results, 5'47"
1 Robert Hunter (RSA) Phonak Hearing Systems
2 Benjamin Brooks (Aus) Jelly Belly - Pool Gel
3 Michele Maccanti (Ita) Team L.P.R.
12 Geoff Kabush (Can) Jittery Joe's - Kalahari
52 Trent Lowe (Aus) Jittery Joe's - Kalahari
56 Timothy Johnson (USA) Jittery Joe's - Kalahari
62 Bruno Langlois (Can) Jittery Joe's - Kalahari 0.22
71 Jonathan Sundt (USA) Jittery Joe's - Kalahari
97 Christian Foster (USA) Jittery Joe's - Kalahari 2.14
107 Craig Wilcox (USA) Jittery Joe's - Kalahari 3.11
117 Evan Elken (USA) Jittery Joe's - Kalahari 6.57