October 06, 2018 (Israel) – Awesome day on the bike for the team moving up in the overall ranking to finish 3rd on the final Stage 3 and 7th place overall. After the neutral start we positioned ourselves close to the front to stay out of the dust and be ready for any move that went. On a steep pavement climb about 5 km into the race the pair of Russia and Germany riders attacked and we followed quickly, and the Czech team could also follow.
“We delivered a strong day on the bike for this last stage. Its nice to see that we never played defense in the day or overall, always charging always playing offense, again today it proved to be a smart decision. After 5k the pace went really hard after the Russian/German attacked and we were the only one to follow as well as the Czech team,” said Raphael Gagne.
“My experience at Epic Israel was amazing. Each time I get to do a stage race I learn so much and takeaway so many great lessons. I am happy to conclude my 2018 season with this race and I am looking forward to getting back to Canada to start preparations for 2019. Thanks to the race organization, Norco Bicycles and Forward Racing for the support to make all this happen,” added L’Esperance.
Canada’s Cindy Montambault racing with teammate Jaqueline Mourao from Brazil also landed on the podium in 3rd on the final stage and claimed 3rd overall in the women’s race.
Results (brief)
Men
1. Specialized (Matous/Kulhavy) 2:21:56
2. Bergamont/Salcano (Zwiehoff/Sintsov) 2:21:59
3. Team Canada (Gagne/L’Esperance) 2:24:41
Women
1. BWR Team (Michiels/Crnogorac) 2:46:27
2. Hungarian Nation Team-Ghost (Terpstra/Benko) 2:54:01
3. Scott Bresil/Trek GPL (Mourao/Montambault) 3:09:55
Final GC
Men
1. LEXWARE Mountain Bike Team (Brandl/Eger) 9:51:41
2. Mobel Markl MTB Pro Team (Raggl/Market) 9:55:16
3. Hungarian National Team (Morton/Valter) 9:57:00
7. Team Canada (Gagne/L’Esperance) 10:13:42
Women
1. Hungarian Nation Team-Ghost (Terpstra/Benko) 11:45:31
2. BWR Team (Michiels/Crnogorac) 12:39:01
3. Scott Bresil/Trek GPL (Mourao/Montambault) 12:53:28