King Jack’s back
Cycling
fans had better get used to hearing the name Jack Bobridge. The
youngster is certainly intent on making his mark and did so in no
uncertain terms in today’s brutal 148km Snapper Point to Willunga stage.
In one of the most gruelling stages of the Tour, Bobridge showed just what he is made of – and came away with the day’s Most Aggressive rider jersey and the first King of the Mountain honours.
He showed his colours early and attacked just a few minutes into the race, quickly joined by Robbie McEwen, and later Bernhard Eisel (Team Columbia - High Road) and Mickaël Buffaz (Cofidis).
The peloton chased – sending a clear message they had no intention of letting the group get away.
The
early break proved to be the first in a series of attacks and Bobridge
was in on each of them.
Around eight riders finally formed a breakaway that held and the group gradually carved out a lead of almost three minutes before the pegging back began at the base of the first Willunga Hill climb.
The two Willunga Hill climbs did the job of sorting out the race - the big guns stepped up, with Quickstep and Columbia swapping control, while Lance made his much awaited move on the second climb.
Another bunch sprint saw Saxobank wrangling to get Stuart O’Grady across the line but it was Alan Davis who came across first for a well deserved win - likely securing his hold on the Ochre jersey for overall honours.
UniSA’s Travis Meyer was again in on the action – alongside Bobridge in the breakaway group and taking first place in both sprints, with Bobridge close behind taking third each time.
But it was all credit to Bobridge - the spirited youngster saying he was pleased to finally be in one of the main breakaways.
“I’ve been looking to get into a good breakaway all week and my goal for today was to be in the front group with Lance,” he said.
“I got the early break with Travis (Meyer), which was great, but they [the peloton] didn’t give us much more than about three minutes.
“When we got to the King of the Mountain, I knew it was coming, so I said to Travis ‘I’m gonna go for it’.”
And go for it he did, crossing the line first ahead of Serguei Klimov (Team Katusha) and Julien El Farès (Cofidis).
Even before today’s mammoth effort, young Bobridge has been turning heads.
Speaking from a post-race media conference mid week, Lance Armstrong was quick to comment on Bobridge’s potential for a bright future.
“I had heard how good he was but didn’t know how aggressive he was. You see true character when in the race. He’s only 19 years of age and he’s racing against, well, older guys - but he doesn’t care. He lets it fly.”
“He’s got a lot of talent.”
Team Manager Dave Sanders was incredibly proud of the lad and said that Bobridge was itching take off from the get go.
“It was a phenomenal ride by Jack – he was in everything, right from the first flag and all the early breakaway attempts.
“He said this morning: ‘Can I let loose?’ and I said ‘go for it!’” Sanders said.
“The politics again that meant the peloton weren’t going to let him get away, but to get that first KOM (King of the Mountain) was amazing!
“It took until the second loop for them to be caught, going into the second climb, but he was still firing.
“Usually after going out that hard you fall back for the second climb but he was right up there again. He was fantastic.”
The down to earth lad is pleased to have made a showing and looks just as keen to take on the final stage tomorrow around North Adelaide.
He’s certainly one to watch - look forward to seeing much more of him on both the road and the track in the future.