bicycle.net -- cycling news, product reviews, original essays, podcasts & video :: Tour of California 2009

(April 5, 2008)

Race report filed by Team High Road

The Netherlands, A gutsy day-long break by High Road’s Adam Hansen and Tony Martin culminated in a remarkable victory for Martin in the Hel Van Het Mergelland one-day race in Holland on Saturday.

Hansen and Martin broke away after just 15 kilometres of racing and the duo stayed away, with no other riders in the move, for the entire day.

They crossed the line together a good four minutes ahead of a leading chase group of four, and around 11 ahead of the main bunch of 20.

“Adam and me attacked, found there was just the two of us out there and decided to keep going. For a good 50 kilometres we had to really fight to convince the bunch to let us go.” Martin recounted.

“Then afterwards the bunch cracked and the gap just grew and grew. We had no idea whether we would stay away or not, so we just hoped.”

Weather conditions were far from favourable from the duo. Heavy rain early in the day made the roads treacherous, but the two persevered nonetheless.

“We decided together that I would win. It was dangerous because there were cobbled sections to try and sprint in any case, plus Adam is a good friend and we are team-mates, too.”

“Adam said I should win after he punctured and I waited for him.”

“It’s a very special, memorable victory - my first for High Road, too!”

“I honestly can’t remember anything like this happening before in a bike race, two team-mates going away so early and staying away right to the finish.” added Tristan Hoffman, team sports director.

“It’s a really exceptional victor after an exceptional race. They fought like animals to get their break away. First they only had a minute, then 90 seconds but they kept going until the bunch split into four.”

“I’m very pleased for the team, but I’m also pleased because it’s good to see when two riders-any riders - are so aggressive in a race and they get the right reward: a great win.”

For additional information regarding the Team, please visit www.highroadsports.com.