May 29, 2012 (Enumclaw, Washington) – Team H&R Block raced this past weekend at the Enumclaw Stage Race in WA, USA. The race weekend wrapped up a week-long team camp that resulted in the team riding together for a stage and the overall GC-win by Rob Britton.
The first stage was a 10km ITT that saw a strong performance by Jordan Cheyne and Justin Kerr along with a win by Rob, taking an 11-sec. lead over 2nd place. The next stage was a downtown Crit. The team road at the front for the entire race in order to set a consistent tempo.
The race had it’s challenges with Kris having a flat tire and an unfortunate fall by Craig that resulted in him having to go and get some stitches post race. In the end the yellow jersey left Rob’s shoulders with a 5-sec deficit.
- Team H&R BLOCK protecting Rob in yellow – Photographer Unknown
So, the team knew they needed to re-group for the final road stage. The goal was to ride hard from the start each time up the 3km climb in order to try and have a chance at regaining the title. In the end it came down to a group of about 10 riders who made the final split that included Jordan and Rob.
Coming into the last section of the race the leader crashed resulting in him losing time while Rob road hard to the line. The result was a 5-sec deficit that put the two in a tie that meant the dramatic finish was decided based on the ITT result for final GC placing putting Rob back in yellow for the win.
The team camp had almost the entire team in attendance. The week included daily team rides, a win at the Tuesday Night’er, talks at Norco headquarters to learn all about the 2012 product and what the team will be testing for the 2013 line, as well as some fun moments that included an evening of go-carting and a few team BBQ’s.
The next focus for the squad is the Victoria International Cycling Festival that consists of an ITT, BC Road Championships and a great downtown Bastion Square Crit.