photo credits @ Tour Down Under
Perfect execution of race plans by Wiggle High5 saw Nettie Edmondson (SA) storm to victory on Stage 2 of the Santos Women’s Tour in front of huge crowds in Adelaide’s vibrant East End.
After leading out Edmondson on the home straight, team-mate Chloe Hosking (ACT) managed to hold on to take second place, while Lizzie Williams (Vic) took third place for Orica-AIS.
“I really wanted to get this one with a home crowd in my home city,” said Edmondson.
“I’ve had quite a few thirds here, and I’ve actually finished third to Chloe (Hosking) and Rochelle (Gilmore) here so it’s pretty cool to have them on my side this time and the Wiggle High5 girls who backed me today.”
Race Highlights
The criterium consisted of 20 laps of the 20.4 kilometer circuit, so the pace was high from the start.
Minda Murray (Vic) was the first rider to try and get away from the peloton, but the powerful squads of Wiggle High5 and Orica-AIS quickly shut down any threats, content to roll the dice and back their sprinters in a bunch kick.
Coming into the bell lap, the Orica-AIS riders were driving the front of the peloton, but great team work from Wiggle High5 aw them run away with the quinella.
“The Orica-AIS girls hit us early in the back corner, they took it really wide and really fast so Chloe Hosking lead me out on the back straight,” said Edmondson.
“I just had to slip off her back wheel. For her to hold on for second is pretty incredible!”
Hosking also praised the work of her team.
“In the end we had Peta (Mullens) and Lucy (Barker) and they did a really, really great job,” said Hosking.
“Coming into the last lap Peta was just jumping on everything. Then Lucy went and took Nettie and I through that top corner.”
“I had faith Nettie was on my wheel, I put her in position, and when I thought it was time to go I went and Nettie came over for the win. The last 400 meters was exactly how we wanted it,” said Hosking.
After Stage 2 it’s tight at the top of the General Classification.
Overnight leader Katrin Garfoot (Qld) holds onto the blue Leader’s Jersey for Stage 3, and is locked in a fierce battle with Lauren Kitchen (NSW), Shelley Olds (USA) and Danielle King (GB) who are all equal on time.
Lauretta Hanson (Vic) took two of the intermediate sprints to extend her lead in the race for the sprinters jersey while Danielle King retains the Queen of the Mountain Jersey going into Stage 3.
Top 10 Finishers
1Annette Edmondson (Wiggle High5) 0:28:18 2 Chloe Hosking (Wiggle High5) 3 Lizzie Williams (Orica-AIS) 4 Kimberley Wells (High5 Dream Team) 5 Lauren Kitchen (HiTec Products) 6 Tiffany Cromwell (Sasi) 7 Katrin Garfoot (Orica-AIS) 8 Shelley Olds (Cylance Pro Cycling) 9 Danielle King (Wiggle High5) 10 Amanda Spratt (Orica-AIS)1 Annette Edmondson (Wiggle High5) 0:28:18
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