Laurence Pithie wins in Cadel Evans
Laurence Pithie wins in Cadel Evans
In an exhilarating conclusion to the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, New Zealand's Laurence Pithie of Groupama-FDJ emerged victorious, marking his first triumph in the WorldTour. The race culminated in a gripping reduced bunch sprint, which saw Pithie narrowly clinch victory in a photo finish. The contest was fierce and closely fought, unfolding over 176.5 kilometers of challenging terrain in Geelong.
Pithie's win was not immediately confirmed; he had to endure a tense wait at the finish line before his victory was officially recognized. This win comes after a previous near-miss at the Tour Down Under, where Pithie mistimed his finish on the last stage. However, this victory clearly demonstrates his excellent form and resilience. Eritrea's Natnael Tesfazion (Lidl-Trek) claimed a close second place, while German Georg Zimmerman finished third in a gripping end to the race that involved around 20 riders.
The race was marked by significant early action, with a group of rising Australian stars, including Dylan Proctor-Parker, Josh Cranage, Zac Marriage, and Jackson Medway, making an early breakaway. This quartet led for a significant portion of the race before being reeled in by the peloton. The decisive action unfolded on the challenging climbs of Challambra Crescent in Geelong's finishing circuit.
The race wasn't just about the leaders; it also saw some notable efforts from other riders. For instance, Luke Plapp, riding for Jayco AlUla, showed commendable grit, being heavily bandaged due to a crash in the Tour Down Under but still playing a prominent role in the final kilometers of the race. Additionally, Oscar Onley, a young Scottish rider with Team DSM and winner of the iconic Willunga stage at the Tour Down Under, unfortunately crashed out at around 70 kilometers.
In summary, the 2024 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race was a showcase of grit, strategy, and raw cycling talent, culminating in a thrilling sprint finish that underscored Laurence Pithie's emerging status in the WorldTour