Queensland Teams Series Round 2

Round 2 of the QRTS was held in the southern downs region, with day one in Stanthorpe and day two in Warwick. Please note that official results are still to come, so we don't know the exact results.

Day One
In the morning of day one, the boys had to contest a 32km Team Time Trial. The goal for the morning was to limit loses given the TTT has never been the team's strength. The boys averaged more than 40km over a pretty hilly course, which we believe was enough to finish mid pack.

In the afternoon, the riders had a 115km road race. Just in time, the wind picked up, and the clouds rolled in. The conditions were becoming testing for sure, which resulted in a very selective race. Within the first few km's, the wind, hills and relentless attacking quickly thinned the group down.

Ben Cook was very active early, forcing the pace and trying to get a break away. No breaks were to go however, with the first 40km being extremely fast.

After 50km, Matt followed two riders up the rode, and was very briefly allowed to gain a small advantage. However, the big teams wanted the bunch to stay together for a little longer.

With 20km to go, the real action started, with James Miller and Ben Cook making sure they were up the front and getting into the moves. Tried as they did, the winning break still managed to get away in the final 10km without a team rider.

Despite missing the break, the boys rode well to be in the main bunch into the finish.

Day Two
Day two was a very windy 130km road race. The boys knew it was important to be at the front, and from the gun, Matt attacked and formed what ended up being the winning break.

For the first 30km, the break grew from 3, to 5 and then to 10 riders until a crucial turn and subsequent cross wind broke the lead group up. Matt was split off the back with several riders and was forced to chase.

As the race went on, the wind whittled down the bunch, until in the finale, there were just ones and twos across the road. Ben Cook was able to persist with the small groups and managed to get himself into the front few groups.

Well done to Jack Anderson for winning all three stages.