Mark Renshaw beats Mark Cavendish in fifth stage of Tour of Britain 2011 - Cycling Update
HTC-Highroad’s Mark Renshaw showed tremendous skill in the fifth stage of Tour of Britain 2011 between Exetera and Exmouth on Thursday, September 15. Lars Boom wrapped up his overall leader’s yellow jersey.
The 28-year-old Australian cyclists took a total of 4 hours, 17 minutes and 38 seconds to cover the distance of 180 kilometres and easily beat his team-mate Mark Cavendish. Robert Forster (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) was in third place with the same timing
as the Australian.
HTC-Highroad sports director Allan Peiper explained, "On the final kilometre, Renshaw was piloting Cavendish perfectly for the win. But in the last corner, Cav backed off and Renshaw came out of it in the lead, so he hammered toward the line and finished
just ahead of Cavendish."
After 68 miles, Jonathan Tiernan Locke of Rapha Condor Sharp was the first cyclists who made a break-away lead alongside Russell Hampton. The group of 12 cyclists gained a lead of six minutes and 30 seconds over the peloton, but all of them were soon caught
when the climbs had taken their toll.
In the closing stage, Gaudin increased his pace and tried to pull away but failed while in the final 3 kilometres. Renshaw and stage one winner Cavendish were in the front of the field, with the Australian able to hold his pace and cross the final bunch
sprint to take the victory.
After finishing the stage, Renshaw said, "That's been the best part of HTC, because we share the wins around, and I think that's why we win so many races. He's been a good friend over the years and he understands the decision I've taken for next year."
Rabobank cycling rider Boom retained the overall lead with a timing of 16 hours, 54 minutes and 29 seconds while Geraint Thomas of Sky was in runner-up position 12 seconds down to Boom.
Boy Van Poppel of UnitedHealthcare was in third spot with a difference of 14 seconds ahead of Daniel Lloyd.
The next stage will run in Taunton and finish in Wells as all the riders will cover the distance of 150 kilometres.
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