New 2023 recruit Georgie Howe lit things up during the final phase of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race today in Geelong to secure the sprint jersey victory, while teammate Ruby Roseman-Gannon launched to seventh place after two riders escaped and held off the chase to steal to top two podium spots after an action-packed finale.
As expected, the Challambra climb proved to be the decisive moment and where two riders were able to jump away, while behind Team Jayco AlUla had four riders in the chasing bunch, but the finish line came too soon, and the leaders successfully held off the group. Roseman-Gannon gave it her all for seventh after a hard, hot and windy day out, while Santos Tour Down Under stage winner Alex Manly came through in 17th place after a late solo attack during the finishing laps.
Howe, took her chances and put pressure on the peloton ahead of the final ascent of the Challambra climb, jumping away with one other rider heading towards the finish line for the penultimate time, crossing the line in first position the Australian was able to take maximum points in the sprint classification and secure the jersey.
Georgie Howe
“It was a fantastic team ride, and our goal was to get everybody over the Challambra climb the first time so we had numbers in the group. Heading into the final lap, I got away with one rider and napped the sprint points, which wasn’t actually the goal but we’re happy to take it and by being away, this took the pressure off the other riders in the reduced bunch.
The race came back together heading towards the final climb and we worked to get our leaders, Alex and Ruby into the bottom of climb in the best position possible. Alex, Ruby and Amber were phenomenal, they managed to make it into the chasing group over the top but with two riders ahead. Everybody did everything they could to bring the duo back and you can’t ask for anymore, everyone did their job as best as they could. It was a real hard day out there, it was hot, it was windy, but it is always a privilege to race on home roads.”
CEGORR results:
1. Loes Adegeest 3:52:47
2. Amanda Spratt ST
3. Nina Buijsman +0:04
7. Ruby Roseman-Gannon ST
