Haig snares tour win to join elite company
VICTORIA’S Jack Haig farewelled Australian cycling in memorable fashion yesterday after sealing victory in the 2014 FKG Tour of Toowoomba.
Haig took out the fifth anniversary tour on the eve of his departure overseas where he hopes to follow in the footsteps of last year’s Toowoomba tour winner Nathan Earle and gain a European professional contract.
The 20-year-old’s victory completed a dominant tour for National Road Series leader, Avanti Racing Team, which easily claimed the Tour of Toowoomba team classification victory.
Avanti’s win was capped yesterday with success in the stage five 50km criterium around Toowoomba’s Queens Park.
The race was won by Neil van der Ploeg who grabbed his second stage victory after winning the opening day’s road race.
Van der Ploeg took the criterium from Alistair Donohoe of Health.com.au.Search2Retain Cycling Team. Gold Coast’s Ryan MacAnally turned in an eye-catching ride for third place for the FKG Invitational team.
MacAnally’s effort boosted preparations for a career move to Belgium.
Avanti’s tour victory unfortunately came at a price with its NRS leading rider Joseph Cooper having to sit out yesterday’s final stage.
Cooper suffered a fractured pelvis in one of several crashes during Saturday afternoon’s stage four road race from Clifton to Glenvale.
Stage four was won by Oliver Kent-Spark to break the tour dominance of Avanti whose four stage wins included Saturday’s Clifton Team Time Trial.
Kent-Spark was rewarded for his bold Toowoomba display with three tour jerseys.
The Search2Retain rider was named the tour’s leading sprinter, king of the mountain and most aggressive rider.
The tour young rider (under 23) jersey was won by Haig.
Haig leaves early next month for Korea and Italy where he’ll link with the Australian under-23 road racing team.
“To win any tour means a lot but this is pretty special for me as it’s possibly my last NRS event,” Haig said.
“It’s been a good experience and I wish the team ongoing success.
“I also wish Joe a speedy recovery and the best of luck for the remainder of this year’s NRS which I’ll continue following with a lot of interest.”