FLASH QUOTES: Santos Women’s Tour Down Under Novatech Stage 2: Start
Tiffany Cromwell, Canyon-SRAM
I want to say it’s going to be more selective [than a bunch sprint]. I think a late breakaway and in the early part of the stage not a lot will happen, maybe a possible breakaway after the first sprint. But there’s a lot of flat after that, then in the last 35 kilometres I think we will see some action. With the QOM close to the finish and a few small rollers after, I have a feeling people might try something for the GC.
Q: From yesterday do you feel that a lot of riders are motivated to avoid this kind of bunch sprint finish?
Yes, I believe so, particularly Mitchelton-SCOTT, because I think a lot of people are looking at tomorrow as the queen stage but knowing local knowledge, I feel like today could potentially have a greater impact. I know Spratty’s coach [Gene Bates] grew up in Adelaide, so he also knows all the roads. I’m sure he’s told her a few of the local things, so I won’t be surprised to see them go on the attack.
Q: And is it the right day for Mitchelton-SCOTT to use their cards other than Amanda Spratt?
Yeah, sure, they do have a lot of cards, but then we also have Trek-Segafredo as well. Someone like US Champion Ruth Winder, she looks in good shape and it’s also a stage that could be good for her. For sure we’ll try something, but I feel like the end will surprise some people if they haven’t been out there already to have a look.
Brodie Chapman, FDJ Nouvelle-Aquitaine Futuroscope
I just saw an opportune moment and I really wanted there to be a breakaway. I don’t always intend to be away solo. It was a good opportunity to stretch the legs, the peloton pushed a bit harder at the end and consumed me, but it was a good day out. I spent a lot of bickies yesterday, so I’ll see what happens today, I’ve got a really strong team around me. Like I said, the girls showed up yesterday sleepy but 100% committed. It was a good race, and it was awesome to see Chloe with a classy win. Let’s just have a good race today.
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