Ireland’s Conor Dunne (Aqua Blue Sport) has claimed an excellent second place on today’s second stage of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour in Australia. The 165.6-kilometre stage from Mt. Beauty to Beechworth was won by Luke Rowe (Team Sky) with Dunne finishing alone 33″ behind the Welsh rider.
Dunne was part of a strong ten man breakaway group that established a near unbeatable lead over the pursuing peloton. The break set off on their way early in the rolling stage as they clocked up the points on the King of the Mountains. They continued to build on their lead as the peloton appeared disjointed and unsure behind.
As the breakaway passed the ten kilometre to go mark, Dunne suffered a mechanical with his front wheel. The wheel was quickly changed and Dunne began his fight to get back into the group. Just as he made contact with the lead group again, Rowe launched his attack on the final seven kilometre climb.
It was a hard slog and Dunne did not panic. He rode within himself and fought to bring Rowe back. In the peloton behind mayhem broke loose. Yellow jersey wearer Damien Howson suffered a puncture. His Orica Scott team were forced to launch a desperate chase back to the peloton making contact just in time to retain the jersey.
Despite the carnage behind Dunne was as focused as ever – just a few seconds behind Rowe he secured second place and Aqua Blue Sport’s first podium finish against the big guns.
After the finish Directeur Sportif Nicki Sorenson paid tribute to the Irish man.
He said: “Conor rode very well at the Cadel Evans Road race, securing the climbers jersey from a day long attack. Today he showed his class and how good his form is. He suffered a mechanical, fought to get back. As he was recovering from the chase Rowe attacked – he was too strong to take back.
“I am delighted for the team and for Conor – I am really happy about he ride today. We are getting closer.”
Australia’s Damien Howson (ORICA-Scott) continues to lead the race with 38″ lead over fellow Aussie Jai Hindley (Korda Mentha Real Estate Australia) with Kenny Elissonde (Team Sky) a further 15″ behind.
