Carabin anoints Urs the uber competitor
JACOB GRAMS with a strong man like Urs,” he said. “Urs is never tired.
“The first part of each stage is not a problem for me, because I know I can stay with him, but the second half of each stage I know that I might have a moment of weakness, but not him.
“I’ve been happy with my performance all week, except the second stage, where I was a little tired the last 10km.
“Without it would all have been a bit different.
“He’s such a strong rider and famous in the cross-country world. To be not far off from him is good.”
Annemiek van Vleuten picked up a another stage win in the Elite Women category.
Yesterday’s 18-minute win was some consolation for slipping out of winning contention by twice taking wrong turns.
The Dutch rider took advantage of the chance to take in her surroundings and enjoy the scenery of Stage 7 in a bid to get through unscathed and have a full preseason before returning to Australia for the Tour Down Under.
“I really enjoyed the stage. I’m here to see some of Australia and today we had a lot of nice views,” Van Vleuten said after the stage.
“I surprised myself a little bit this week. At first I came here starting the race for a holiday, but halfway through I suddenly got into the race mode.
“On the not-so-technical stages I felt really well and I enjoy to race hard and also with the guys here.
“It’s really wonderful to race together.”