The Groupama-FDJ United cycling team really tried to make the most of its strengths this Sunday at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, the final event of the Australian trip. In a fast and intense final, Tom Donnenwirth and Kevin Geniets first managed to follow the small group that went on to fight for victory. The Luxembourger then sacrificed himself in the closing stages, while his teammate crossed the line in 14th place. A somewhat frustrating result, but an encouraging performance before returning to Europe.
Following the cancellation of the Surf Coast Classic on Thursday due to bushfires, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race was the only official race of the week for the peloton coming from the Tour Down Under. This Sunday also marked the end of the Australian campaign with the first WorldTour event of the season, held over 183 kilometres around Geelong. The main challenge was the Challambra Crescent climb (1.3 km at 7.8%), tackled four times, with the final ascent coming just ten kilometres from the finish. “The first hundred kilometres were nervous, even though there were only three riders up the road,” said Jussi Veikkanen. “We went through the famous Surf Coast, there was a lot of wind, and it brought tension in the peloton even if there was no real damage. The break reached the final circuit with a small gap and was caught quickly. The scenario was quite predictable. It was very likely that everything would be decided on the final lap, and that’s exactly what happened, with things exploding on the last climb.”
“We’re on the right track” — Jussi Veikkanen
While several riders tried to anticipate the big showdown, it was on the slopes of Challambra Crescent that a first selection was made. The pace was relentless, the peloton stretched out, and at the summit Tom Donnenwirth passed in fifth position alongside the best punchers in the field. “Kevin and Tom were strong, and both made it into the first group of around twenty riders,” Jussi explained. “Behind them, there was another group with Enzo and Guillaume, while Lewis and Rémi were delayed by a crash at the foot of the final climb.” At the front, the Groupama-FDJ United duo managed to hold on over the final uphill section six kilometres from the line. Then, with 2.5 kilometres to go, Kevin Geniets followed an attack that was quickly neutralised, but continued his effort. “Kevin sacrificed himself because there was a group of around thirty riders behind with some sprinters,” Jussi said. “He made the effort, and he did the right thing. In the sprint, Tom got a bit boxed in and did what he could. We were there for the win, but the result is slightly frustrating.”
At the finish, Tom Donnenwirth placed 14th, with his Luxembourg teammate 21st, as Tobias Lund Andresen claimed victory ahead of Matthew Brennan. “What I’ll take from today is that Tom was right up there on the last two steep climbs,” Jussi concluded. “That will give him confidence. We finished this campaign on a good note, and the whole group has progressed over the week. We’re on the right track and confident for what’s next.”
