31 Jan 2019
Elissonde third as Team Sky move up
Related riders
Kenny Elissonde
Pavel Sivakov
Dylan van Baarle
Herald Sun Tour Stage two: Wonthaggi to Churchill (127km)
Kenny Elissonde moved up to third overall as the first of a trio of Team Sky riders to move up the General Classification on stage two of Herald Sun Tour as Michael Woods (Education First Pro Cycling) was victorious.
The Frenchman and Pavel Sivakov were crucial in enlivening the closing kilometres as the young Russian rider burst free of an elite lead group with 14km remaining before Elissonde joined the charge up the pivotal Jeeralang ascent.
They led until the final kilometre of the climb when Woods and Richie Porte (Trek - Segafredo) bridged across from the chase group and overtook the Team Sky duo before duelling on the descent to settle the stage win and overall lead.
Sivakov worked tirelessly towards the crest of the climb to allow Elissonde the best chance of catching the lead duo before the finish and his effort certainly reduced the deficit for his teammate.
Strong descending skills also allowed Van Baarle to catch Elissonde and Lucas Hamilton (Mitchelton-Scott) and ensure Team Sky have three riders in the top six, all within striking distance of the race leader.
Key moment: While Sivakov’s attack was crucial in forcing the hand of the leaders, great work from Luke Rowe, Christian Knees and Owain Doull ensured Team Sky were able to navigate crosswinds, which splits in the peloton as well as a crash, and reduce the size of the peloton dramatically before the showdown on the final climb.
Rider of the day: Sivakov was the first rider to attack the lead group on the final climb to animate the race, he was also crucial in helping Elissonde limit his losses which saw him rewarded with the lead in the best young rider classification. A good day at the office for Pavel!
What's next? Stage three tests the riders with a 161.3km trip from Sale to Warragul which is considerably flatter and could provide the sprinters with another chance of a stage victory.
Stage two result
1. Michael Woods (Education First Pro Cycling) 2:55:44
2. Richie Porte (Trek Segafredo) +4”
3. Kenny Elissonde (Team Sky) +27”
4. Lucas Hamilton (Mitchelton-Scott) +29”
5. Dylan van Baarle (Team Sky) +33”
6. Pavel Sivakov (Team Sky) +53”
Overall standings:
1. Michael Woods (Education First Pro Cycling) 5:12:32
2. Richie Porte (Trek Segafredo) +4”
3. Kenny Elissonde (Team Sky) +27”
4. Lucas Hamilton (Mitchelton-Scott) +29”
5. Dylan van Baarle (Team Sky) +33”
6. Pavel Sivakov (Team Sky) +53”
