Tour Down Under
Team UniSA-Australia Supporters Club
Team UniSA-Australia Supporters Club
Thursday, January 22, 2004
Stage Three - Goolwa to Victor Harbour
by Thel Krollig
Team
UniSA rider,
Gene Bates, 23, took out second place in the Stage Three of
the Jacobs Creek Tour Down Under at Victor Harbor, pushing
Team UniSA’s
position to the top of the ladder.
The ambitious young rider duelled with Belgium rider Philippe Gilbert who eventually took out the final honours just seconds before the finish line.
Bates was carrying a minor back injury into the race and earlier in the day expressed a hope to "just make it through the day". His consistent riding in difficult conditions saw him leading the field in the final leg of the race.
"We were all really happy with Wednesday’s performance and were just looking to build on it. We’re looking good for winning, we’ve just got to keep it together," Bates said.
And while Bates was disappointed not to take line honours, his very proud mum had lots of words of praise and encouragement.
"He did fabulously well," said Marion Bates.
"He’s our baby and we’re very proud of what he has achieved. We have travelled overseas to watch him race but it is always exciting to see him ride in front of his home crowd."
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