Valiant teamwork puts the pressure on
January 27 2008
With victory a strong possibility, nerves and energy were high among Team UniSA
riders before the start of the Tour Down Under’s last stage – the bid to bring
Allan Davis a stage and tour win was their central focus.
Manager Dave Sanders had set the team the task to lead the pack and control the race through the east end’s city streets and the boys did not disappoint.
“We’re all feeling the pressure, but Allan can get there,” Sanders said before the race.
“We’re going to get our in front early and control the group.
“The track suits our plan, and if it works then we have a real chance to bring Davis home.”
From the very start, the riders took the team plan to heart, got up the front and led the group.
After lap five the strong work of the team’s riders helped deliver Allan Davis the chance to take out the first sprint. And win the sprint he did, his effort earning him six points and three seconds closer to overtaking Ochre jersey Andrei Greipel’s lead.
Alby’s strong ride looked like it would be repeated for the second sprint, but he was pipped by the high-performing Griepel.
In the end it was the giant German Griepel who took out the 88km city stage and the overall tour, but Davis was awarded with the Most Aggressive Rider jersey for his strong effort throughout the sunny Sunday afternoon.
He also achieved second in the overall general classification of the tour, the only Australian rider to be in the top three against a world-class line-up.
After the race that saw more than 70,000 spectators lining the city circuit, Davis praised the support of his teammates, manager, UniSA and cycling fans.
“Across the hundreds of kilometres that we’ve covered this week, the support has been overwhelming,” Davis said.
“The crowds have been fantastic and the team has worked together really well under the guidance of Dave Sanders.
“The tour has been particularly exciting this year as a pro tour event and I’m pleased to have been part of it for so long.
“It has always been a great, world-class event and this year it has been recognised as such.”