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Here in Singapore we watch the riders as they warm up and sign in for the race, although as Malcolm Elliot confirmed in the elevator, it's not likely they'll need much of a warm up in this heat. Never the less, they're already speeding around the course at breakneck speed, psyching each other out and scoping the tight 45 degree corners of the 2km course. This is set to be a race for guys with really big legs (more on that later) battling it out for a placing on a world class F1 finish line!
OCBC riders Jun Rong Ho and Hashim Junaidi excited to get started. Photo© Cyclingnewsasia
Like the 50km race before it, there aren't too many spectators out on the course, despite the stellar turn out of participants. By high noon most of the onlookers are taking the air-conditioned option of the observation deck, to escape the oppressive Singapore humidity. Only photographers, journo's, and riders spot the course which is set alongside the beautiful river, overlooked by the famous Singapore Flyer. The riders have all come a long way for the race - the closest coming from Indonesia and Malaysia, with others from as far a field as Canada, the US, and Kazakhstan. I only hope the riders can feed off the frenetic race energy of the crowd through their glass fishbowl. I am of course out sweltering on the asphalt as a voice of support.
Riders nervous and trying to stay cool before the start of the mens elite race. Photo© Cyclingnewsasia
The Chinese tigers dance on the stage, warding off crash demons before the race. Truly, OCBC and Spectrum have thought of EVERYTHING for this race, including world class photo finish technology, jumping castle, volleyball for the kids, a photo exhibition of the tour de France by Russell Wong for the sophisticated big kids, and this year they even coordinated with the sun-Gods to make sure the rain stayed away! This was possibly the only improvement to be had on last year’s soggy start.
CKT Champion System rider Deon Locke inked up and ready to start. Photo© Cyclingnewsasia
Team Type 1 was relaxed and ready to race before the start. Photo© Cyclingnewsasia
On the start line riders were called up individually including Ben Kersten, Angelo Furlan and Travis Meyer. The riders were pretty keen for the gun to go off in order to start getting a bit of a breeze moving over their bodies. I can tell you that even while taking photos I have sweat dripping off my nose . . . but the VIP tent (which I'm somehow allowed to enter - the salmon was lovely thank you) isn't far away, and ice cold sports drinks call out my name. Luckily I won't be hammering in the bunch for one hour and forty-five minutes worth of 2km laps.
A beautiful spread of food was available in the V.I.P. tent. . . membership has its priveledges. Photo© Cyclingnewsasia
As the boys were standing around having a laugh, the air horn was blown by Chris Robb of Spectrum to signal the official start. The fellas didn't waste any time getting up to speed on the course and before the end of the first lap we had Footon-Servetto rider Fabio Felline off the front. Three laps later he was joined by Joe Lewis of Drapac Porsche, but they had to earn every pedal stroke on the hard charging bunch. These guys had a look of speed vs. pain on their faces as they dug hard to stay on the front and away from the peloton. Pedaling got harder as the asphalt heated up and you could see the heat reflecting off the road making tires and tire glue soft. The riders gained some small respite as they whisked by palm trees, beneath leafy overpasses, and past the beautiful Singapore flyer (however I'm not sure they were taking in the sites). At 45 minutes into the race the riders on the front could hold it no longer and were swallowed up by the group.
The fellas at Bissell Pro Cycling were flying - Kyle Walmsley just before the Drapac and Footon riders were caught. Photo© Cyclingnewsasia
This bunch ride didn't last long however... I guess it must have been hotter in amongst the peloton, as just two laps and four-and-a-half minutes later off went Lapthorne (Rapha Condor Sharp), Northey (NZL), and Williams (Motorpoint-Marshalls Pasta) with their teams moving to the front to block any hint of a chase. Unfortunately for New Zealand, Jason Allen was dropped due to a mechanical and wasn't able to rejoin the race. A real shame as this guy has been flying over the last few months, winning races all over the shop.
It was an angry peloton today making it VERY hard for riders to get away - Singapore provided a beautiful, tropical backdrop. Photo© Cyclingnewsasia
At the one hour mark there was a brief split in the field which looked pretty interesting, but it was shut down very quickly on the super fast course. As soon as this gap was pulled back together Darren Lapthorne (Rapha Sharp Condor) and Joe Lewis (Drapac) got away looking very strong and highly dangerous. These guys were super exciting to watch as they worked together pulling turns like a well oiled rig.
(l-r) Darren Lapthorne and Joe Lewis - making the bunch hurt. . . Photo© Cyclingnewsasia
These are two of my favourite, and two of the most stylish teams in the bunch. Team Drapac Porsche riding in their bright red kit (how cool is it to be sponsored by Porsche!) on their super sleek Giant road machines. Almost all of their riders sport the tremendously slick high sock look that I am so fond of. After all - sock height is proportional to form, as perfectly demonstrated in this impressively executed break away. The Rapha rider also looked tremendous in full Rapha kit (of course), a beautifully understated Condor road bike (posh understated white/pink two tone paint job). You have to love how the whole team is, summing it up in one word: Class. No wonder why this team has devoted fans following them wherever they go across the globe.
Riders give chase with the new Singapore casino in the background. Photo© Cyclingnewsasia
Honestly, I thought these two characters would stay away and be the victors of our story today. They looked strong, sleek, powerful, and more importantly, they looked like they weren't being affected too badly by the heat. But the bunch was hammering hard to catch them, with Lampre on the front trying to bring them back.
Lampre driving the bunch. Photo© Cyclingnewsasia
The bunch drives the pace towards the Singapore Flyer - the worlds largest ferris wheel. Photo© Cyclingnewsasia
POW! Jesse Anthony burst from the pack in a fantastic attempt to bridge. It took the man with the yellow shoes at least 3 laps, but he made it in Hollywood style with a herculean effort. If you haven't seen this guy ride a bike or race a 'cross, take the time to do it! He's an exciting athlete and passionate cyclist. Anthony made it across to the break, had a brief rest and then literally blew the break apart. Yes, you have read that correctly. He 1) bridged for three laps in 'the pain locker', 2) caught the break, and then 3) attacked them as well. They had no answer to his perfectly executed, unlikely strategy. Only Rapha Sharp rider Lapthorne stayed with him following his execution of step 3, text book style, but this was short lived and Anthony was soon again on his own - ahead of his colleagues this time!
Jesse Anthony (inside line) catches the break and attacks! Photo© Cyclingnewsasia
With only 15 minutes left to race, Anthony had a real chance at the win. The effort and sheer determination was etched into his face. He had a decent gap, but with time running out and an angry peloton at his back, Anthony would have to cut every corner and drain EVERY last watt from his aching body to take the win. We watched him come into the final lap and he was flying, with teeth bared coming into the corners. He was relying heavily on his tires as he leaned hard and literally flashed through corners like the F1 cars that this track is accustomed to. Coming into the final sharp turn we reckon he had about a 6-10 second lead - the only problem was that once on the home straight it was a long drag with only a single sweeping corner to the line. He entered the drag with no one on his wheel, but suddenly the Fly V boys were upon him with the help of Lampre who were lining up their sprinters for the kill (Ben Kersten and Angelo Furlan).
Kelly Benefits rider Jesse Anthony on the final straight. He left NOTHING on the course today - what a champion! Photo© Cyclingnewsasia
They caught Jesse at about 500 meters from the line, and another 300 meters later Ben Kersten used his HUGE Legs (I'm not joking those things are literally like tree trunks, T-Rex legs, or something else humongous, you name it) to ride away from the field to collect his GIGANTIC cheque.
A flying Ben Kersten takes the field sprint. Photo© Spectrum Worldwide
For the second year running, the winner of the professional criterium hailed from Australia – Ben Kersten from Team Fly V Australia, taking part in the event for the first time. Ben is also coincidently very new to the discipline of road riding. He was a successful track rider in a recent life - hence the previously mentioned rhino legs. These gentlemen covered a distance of 76 km's in one hour, 40 minutes and 40 seconds. When we asked Ben about what he thought of the event and Singapore in general he said, “This has been a superbly organised event and I would really like to come back next year and take part in this race again. I felt really fresh out there today and could have kept riding all day. I've been really well supported by Fly V Australia and my team rode hard in a tough race.”
Ben Kersten chats post-race with Spectrum Worldwide staff. Photo© Cyclingnewsasia
Chris Robb, Managing Director of Spectrum Worldwide, the event organiser, was delighted with the success of a packed weekend of cycling, “This weekend’s event demonstrated that the passion for cycling amongst Singaporeans is growing and the performance level across all rides was better than expected. We will definitely be looking at ways to grow and expand this event in the future.”
Ben Kersten and team Footon-Servetto thought the event was THIS GOOD! Photo© Cyclingnewsasia
If you have some holiday time coming up, go to Singapore and ride your bike, or take your time and come back next year. With smooth organisation, a fun-filled carnival atmosphere for families, great logistics, a wonderful hotel in the Conrad close by, and never ending sunshine - this event seriously rocks the socks.
Oh! The results:
Professional Criterium
1st: Ben Kersten (AUS) Fly V Australia
US$ 12,500
2nd: Michele Merlo (ESP) Footon Servetto
US$ 8,000
3rd: Angelo Furlan (ITA) Lampre Farnese Furlan
US$ 6,000
Schick King of the Sprints
Fabio Felline (ITA) Footon - Servetto
US$ 3,000
Professional Criterium Top Asian Rider
Artyom Golovachshenko (KAZ) Team Polygon Sweet Nice
US$ 2,000
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