In the first 20km, the race was relatively sedate until an unfortunate accident saw team rider James Miller crash out after hitting something on the road. After a brief stint in the Gatton Hospital, Jimmy will recover to fight another day.
The race then continued on as the riders prepared for the KOM. As the group approached the bottom, the tension grew, as finally the attacks began at the bottom of the climb. The pace was high all the way from the bottom, which dropped many riders. Still, all the contenders were present in the front and the cross winds to Leyburn were to start.
The race was setting a steady tempo for sometime, until the turn back to home was made. With 60km to go, the real attacks began. For more than 20km it was attack after attack, until finally, on one of the long drags a group of eleven riders got away.
Matt was able to get himself into the break and it was clear that this was the race winning move. Unfortunately Matt was outnumbered by other teams, so he was forced to play it smart and allow the teams with multiple riders in the break to do most of the work.
As the break proceeded to gain time, Matt looked after himself to ensure he was ready for the finale until a crash brought down seven of the eleven riders in the break. Matt came down but was able to remount and began to chase the four riders up the road who didn't crash.For 5km, Matt rode solo until a loan rider bridged across. For another 5km the two worked together until Condy bridged across with three other riders. Meanwhile, the four riders ahead were going to win.
Matt and Condy then worked together to ensure they got 5th place was wrapped up, with Condy taking the sprint for 5th, while Matt took 8th.
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