Lanterne Rouge by Ace Doyle 7 Jours de Cyclisme, vol. IV, Issue 1, 06/01/2014
Welcome to a new year cycling fans! Your old mate Ace Doyle is back with the best back page discussion of happenings on the “back end” of cycling.
Can you believe this is our fourth year here at 7 Jours de Cyclisme- your premier online cycling magazine!
For the fan who has followed this series in the past {Hi Mom!} you will notice some changes for 2014:
Yesterday I was sitting at my desk compiling a list of neo-pros, old timers and independents to meet and interview this year my editor Mildred stomped by.
“Arse,” she says {poor woman has always mispronounced my name. It is probably related to that dueling scar across her face she picked up while sailing with Blackbeard.} “I be tired of seein' yer lazy bones ar'und me arffice!”
I have learned to understand her speech impediment- she wanted me to take the rest of the day off. “Just finishing a bit and I'll be out of here, Captain”
“Nay, ye scurvy dog. Yer old drivel bores me and I have a new tale ye be going to take a ken to. 'Morrow ye set yer course to port o' Gdańsk. There ye meetin' wi' the Captain's of a new squad. Poles and Yanks as I hear tell. Yer bein' sailin' wit' dem for the year.”
Clearly Mildred has been at the rum. There was only one thing I could say, “What?” I had no clue what in Davy Jones locker, I mean the heck, she was talking about.
“'tis a new team ye be followin!” Milly bellowed. “Ye'll ride wi' dem, ye'll bunk wi' dem, ye'll eat wi' dem, ye'll shi..”
“Milly,” I cut her off, risking life and limb. “I'm a columnist and interviewer, not a field reporter.”
She leaned back with a smile that would give a barracuda chills. “Now lad,” she said, way too calmly, “I hear tell old dogs can learn new tricks. I heerd of this trick, 'embedded reporter'. Ye'll be learnin' to embed if'n ye know what's good for ye.”
Holy Cow. I understood 'bed' and I don't want to go through that again! I barely survived our honeymoon. I replied with me sweetest “Yes dear, er, I mean Captain.” and ran to pack my bags.
Did she say Gdańsk?
Edited by sergeantm on 25-09-2015 07:28
24/02/21 - kandesbunzler said “I don't drink famous people."
15/08/22 - SotD said "Your [jandal's] humour is overrated"
11/06/24 - knockout said "Winning is fine I guess. Truth be told this felt completely unimportant." [ICL] Santos-Euskadi | [PT] Xero Racing
Lanterne Rouge by Ace Doyle 7 Jours de Cyclisme, vol. IV, Issue 2, 13/01/2014
Hello cycling fan(s)! This week your mate, Ace Doyle, is bringing you “What I Learned in Gdańsk” or “How to Create a Cycling Team.” I learned this over several glasses of Żywiec at Senso. You, dear reader must supply your own beverage.
I met with Kryspyn Murzyn and Casimir Duszynski. Despite the names, only Kryspin is Polish born. Casimir is an American born son of immigrants; though he says when his parents wish to embarass him they tell him he was conceived in Poland. As it turns out, both men speak well in Polish and (luckily for yours truly) English.
LR: “So how did you meet and get this team started?”
KM: “It was 2009 if memory is good.”
CD: “Yes, in July there was a trade show. Each of us represented our companies at the show here in Gdańsk. Our booths were across the aisle so we had many opportunities to speak”
KM: “We talked many things. One was cycling. I had seen the young championship just month before.”
CD: “He was telling me about a new rider with potential, Kwiatkowski. I believe he is with Quick Step again this year.”
LR: “Yes, he is showing promise of turning out to be one of Poland's best riders.”
CD: “I told Kryspyn about my younger days as a racer. I had some good experiences but knew I would never be a pro.”
KM: “I too raced bikes as boy. I never win but it was always fun to imagine wearing Koszulka żółta.”
CD: “The yellow jersey”
Casimir translated for your Ace who was on his third Żywiec and feeling good.
KM: “Then I say- what if we could have team of our own. We laugh and drink through night talking of our riders winning many Grand Tours.”
LR: “But nothing happened then?”
KM: “No, just talk. But last year I meet Casimir friend in Paris.”
CD: “We both were on vacation and meet, of all places, on Champs-Élysées to see the last stage of the Tour.”
KM: “I tell przyjaciel had talked at business about cycling. Others in company think a team be a good idea to advertise.”
CD: “I too had spoken about using cyclng to reach our customers. There was interest so I investigated getting equipment suppliers and other needs. An amateur team seemed doable but a pro squad was out of reach. That is until Kryspin came into the picture.”
KM: “I say why not. If we mix dollars and zloty into euro, we could make pro team. We drank fine French wine and add numbers. Our team is not big but we can have team.”
CD: “So we exchanged our contacts and went home to sell our idea. Kryspin used Poland's growing interest in cycling to show how they could reach their customers. I focused on our international franchises and how we increase our exposure in Europe and back in the U.S.”
KM: “It work. We get team!”
Somewhere around this time we ate dinner and had some Luksusowa. The evening became quite fuzzy...
Lanterne Rouge by Ace Doyle 7 Jours de Cyclisme, vol. IV, Issue 3, 20/01/2014
Well cycling fans, today you get to see this new team! (At least the sponsors){As my dear editor Mildred gently nudged, “Arse! Quit yer gabbin' abut drinkin'. Our readers know 'ow to take der grog! I kin lis'en to the ravings of a drunken sot at any pub! W'at abut the bloody cyclin'?}
If you recall last time, my new friends Kryspin and Casimir were explaining how they talked themselves into running a team. Much of it was a blur to me but I found my notes. It took work but I managed to decipher them to bring you the sponsors who back the brain child of my przyjaciele.
The main sponsor is a company well recognized throughout Poland. It was Kryspin who works in their marketing department that brought them on board.
[img-r]https://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/sergeantm/biedronka-logo_zpsflpq9bbe.png[/img-r]
Biedronka is the biggest chain of no frills supermarkets in Poland with over 2,600 shops and 37,000 employees. It is owned by the Portuguese company Jerónimo Martins. Literally, the name translates as ladybug which is the logo of the company.
Casimir, working as an internatonal francise specialist convinced his company to co-sponsor.
[img-l]https://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/sergeantm/pizza-hut-4-logo-primary_zps8aye8bd2.jpg[/img-l]
Pizza Hut is an American restaurant chain and international franchise, known for pizza and side dishes.
The company has more than 6,000 Pizza Hut restaurants in the United States, and 5,139 store locations in 94 other countries and territories worldwide
Casimir also located the clothing and frame sponsor,
[img-r]https://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/sergeantm/specializedslogo_zpsusyjmulq.png[/img-r]
Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc., more commonly known simply as Specialized, is a major American brand of bicycles and related products.
And the group and wheel supplier.
[img-l]https://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/sergeantm/logo_campagnolo_zpsabm71f32.png[/img-l]
Campagnolo is an Italian manufacturer of high-end bicycle components with headquarters in Vicenza, Italy
The jersey for the year has been revealed
[img-r]https://i376.photobucket.com/albums/oo201/sergeantm/2014_zpsvzgo1bpd.png[/img-r]
Next week we will start getting to know the riders!
@Ollie23 Thanks- I must credit ANFreeman and laidbackmarc with the original template. My brother is a graphic artist so he helped change the size from PCM 12 to PCM 14 then smooth the pixelation that resulted. I took it from there.
Lanterne Rouge by Ace Doyle 7 Jours de Cyclisme, vol. IV, Issue 4, 27/01/2012
Hellooo cycling fans! Your mate Ace is reporting from Sagres, Portugal where our Biedronka- Pizza Hut has opened a week long training camp. Ten riders have been signed and are in the process of getting to know each other.
So far the directeur sportif Casimir Duszynski has run the team on long steady rides to shake off any cobwebs. More difficult and challenging training will come soon.
I asked Casimir to give a quick summary of each rider:
Marcin Sapa joined BIE from BDC-Marcpol. At 38 years old this veteran is the oldest rider on our team. He will be road captain, helping to steady the younger riders. Marcin still can accelerate well and is strong on the flats. He will be able to lead by example
Michal Podlaski raced with Bank BGZ last year. He will be Sapa's Lieutenant showing newer riders the ropes of pro racing. Not outstanding he is solid in all areas. Only 25 years old, he still has the opportunity to develop and could nip a win or two.
Marek Konwa better known as a cyclocross rider is making the jump to road racing. His experience off road will serve the team well when cobbles show up in races. For now the 23 year old will be in a support role until we can take advantage of his specialty.
Josep Cylkowski this will be the first year riding professionally for this 23 year old. Cylkowski, and his brother Tadeusz, have made an impression in amateur races around Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic. If he can adapt to the demands of pro races we may see him in a leader position.
Stan White Eagle is another first year pro. A Native American from South Dakota could be our best find. He flew {flew- Eagle, get it? Ok I'm a columnist, not a stand up comic} underneath the radar, never riding in big events, but dominating the local races. He is a tenacious rider, showing the ability to keep up with the veterans in training.
{the Polish riders cannot accept that anyone named White Eagle in not actually Polish. They have welcomed their long lost cousin, dubbing him STANISŁAW White Eagle}
Mateusz Nowaczek another former Bank BGZ rider who focused more on track racing. The 22 year old's skills will help him in a supporting role and setting up sprinters.
Pawel Franczak rode on Team Wibatech – Brzeg last year. Only 22, he already has a couple pro wins to his credit. Pawel is our best spinter with good all around abilities. Though a few years away from his potential, he has the ability to make an impact this year.
Leigh Williams this 21 year old first year pro is clearly the best climber on the team. No road seems too steep for him. The down side is that he is a one trick pony. Though showing some time trial ability, his strength is only in the climbs. If we can help him round out his abilities, he could become a major threat in the peloton.
Jeffery Perrin a 20 year old climber, he was on California Giant Berry Farms/Specialized last year. Perrin is a solid middle of the pack rider. He will be a good team mate and help pull the squad up the climbs.
Tadeusz Cykowski is Josep's younger brother. He will turn 20 while at camp and is also riding pro for the first time. He compliments his brother well and actually has a better record at his age than Josep did. I'd like to think he is a star in the making.
I asked Casimir about the goals of the year:
CD: Biedronka- Pizza Hut has set some good objectives for our squad. With all but two riders 23 or under and four of our ten novice pros we know we will not be at the top of the standings. They are asking for some top ten finishes and maybe a stage win or two. I think we can reach that.
I'm going to set our schedule quarterly so I can adjust to the rhythm of the riders. If we are not getting results, we can alternate training and racing; if we are doing well, we can add some races. I am encouraging riders to use local races as part of their training when available. It will be familiar ground to the riders and bring our sponsors right to the fans. A win for everyone.
Marcin and Michal will be our captains and primary leaders. Leigh will lead us on most of the climbs and Pawel will be a focus for the sprints. I also intend to push the Cylkowski brothers. They have the advantage of knowing each other well and if they are some diamonds in the rough I want to start shaping them immediately.
Now Ace, didn't I hear some of the guys wanted to take you out and do some fartlek training?
{Well that's all for now; I gotta get this on the wire to Mildred. Right now. No time for anything else.
The team will be in the Valley of the Sun Race to open the season
Lanterne Rouge by Ace Doyle 7 Jours de Cyclisme, vol. IV, Issue 5, 03/02/2012
Witam fanów rowerowych! Your mate Ace Doyle is hanging out in Warsaw today. The team is still back in Portugal riding the hills but I'm am going one-on-one with Kryspin Murzyn at the Biedronka home office.
LR: Cześć Kryspin.
KM: Hello friend Ace. Good to see you again.
LR: Gdańsk seems a long time ago. I must say your English is better when you are not drinking.
KM: *laughs* I was just going to say the same to you Ace. But I also know you sound terrible singing Pije Kuba do Jakuba no matter how much you drink.
LR: I was pretty bad wasn't I? But let's talk about your team. Isn't is unusual that you are both the General Manager and a main sponsor representative?
[Milly, let's cut that intro out and start at lets talk about your team. Thanks- ace]
KM: I think we may be unusual but not unheard of. I am the one who sold this plan to Biedronka and so our management believes it is well that I handle the finances as well.
LR: How so?
KM: Biedronka has earned the top position in the market by knowing well the Polsh buyer. We are honest, hard working folk who demand value. We don't need everything to be the best but it must be good. Biedronka meets that need by treating the buyer respectfully, giving good food at good value.
Our expectation of the team is the same. We know a Tour de Pologne win is far in the future. Yet that does not mean we expect our riders to sit back and wait for that day. The wages are fair and we expect work out of them. We will not say win, win, win but we insisist they do their best. That is the way we respect each other and our fans.
LR: So winning is off the table this year?
KM: We expect that if effort is given we will see the podium. Maybe even the top step, but it is not demanded.
LR: Let me ask about Biedronka. You are the top grocery in Poland but you are not in other markets. What do you expect to get out of sponsoring an international team?
KM: That was myself the question I asked. How I answered was Poland loves sports though we are not the biggest cycling nation. Yet we have some very good Polish riders out there. Rafał Majka and Michał Kwiatkowski to name two. Our counterparts CCC-Polsat-Polkowice have done respectably well over the last few years. Tour de Pologne will be rode for 71st time this year.
Such happens have helped raise the profile of cycling in Poland in recent years. We believe we can access that market with our team. Good riders will put us on television and in papers keeping the Biedronka name first in the mind of our buyers.
LR: But you are already number one.
KM: Yes but it is much more easy to stay number one than become one from number two. It shows, as I say before, we beleve in work. He who is number one does not stop working.
LR: Let me broach one more, sensitive subject. Doping. Cycling has had some image problems lately. Are you not apprehensive of something negative?
KM: That is good question Ace. Only a fool does not think of risks. Casimir {the directeur sportif} and I write our policy about doping.
1. Every rider we sign will have clean sheet. We will not hold past guilt that has been paid.
2. No rider will use any chemical performance enhancement without talking to team doctor and directeur sportif. This will include current non-banned chemicals. We want to know what our riders have so we can make them their best without harm.
3. If a rider fails and give into temptation he can come to us for amnesty. We will go to UCI and take punishment but we will also help rider. He will still have job, even if only working at store, and we will help get medical treatment if needed. After punishment is paid we will negotiate if rider may return to team.
4. If rider fails test before coming to us, he is permanently removed from team and must repay bonuses for at least one year past.
LR: I will be blunt. Words on paper are good but how will you enforce this.
KM: You think that is blunt friend Ace? You need to learn much about Poles and do not go to Germany.
We are backing our words with our jobs. Both Casimir and I pledge to our sponsors that the team will race clean. If a rider is cheat, it is our fault for not knowing and we too will face punishment.
Also we will conduct regular and random in team testing. A rider make ask amnesty at any time until he takes the cup and urinate. There is forgiveness for failing temptation but not for cheating.
LR: That is very open and positive Kryspin. I wish the team good luck this season and thank you for allowing me such access this season.
Lanterne Rouge by Ace Doyle 7 Jours de Cyclisme, vol. IV, Issue 6, 10/02/2012
Hello from the U.S.A. Cycling fans! Ace Doyle here with our Biedronka – Pizza Hut team as they are preparing for their first race. I just finished riding the warm up with the team {do I look thinner?} and I have directeur sportif Casimir Duszynski as a captive audience.
LR: Last week Kryspin told us about the office side of the team. Can you give us the inside scoop on the riders?
CD: Well Ace, you've been around them for a few weeks now. What do you think your readers would like to know?
LR: How about the riders who are riding professionally for the first time?
CD: Right, I'll start with our Americans. I found Leigh {Williams} a couple years ago when he was riding for the University of Minnesota. He was just another rider in the pack until they reached a 10% grade. He simply dropped everyone on the climb. I was amazed at how easily he rode away from the field. When we started forming Biedronka I looked him up and found him in a race in Iowa. He was an even better climber and I could not pass that up.
Stan {White Eagle} was hiding in South Dakota. I came across a small, unsanctioned race near Mitchell. I stopped to talk with the riders, not even planning on watching the race. When I asked who would win, no one claimed they would win, instead everyone I asked pointed to Stan. They all said the race was for second place if he was in the field. I was curious enough to stay and watch. As promised Stan simply dominated. Within five laps he broke from the field to a lead of about 15 seconds. He stayed there until the halfway point, then accelerated away. By the finish he had lapped every dropped rider and would have caught the pack if the race was any longer.
LR: Stan is a great guy; um, he's not upset about that Eagle and flying joke I made is he.
CD: No in fact he told me he wants to take you to a Pow Wow while we are in the States. He wants to adopt you into his tribe and formally give you the name Running Tortoise.
LR: I can't wait, really. Let's talk about the Cylkowski brothers.
CD: Kryspin gave me the lead to them. They are from Poznan but raced all over Poland and even in a few other countries. I checked every local race as I contacted Marcin, Michal and Pawel. Eventually I found them in a race near Krakow. Tadeusz was always at the front, constantly attacking and chasing any break. It might have looked like he was simply an over exuberant youth but I saw he would always have a word with Josep, who stayed near the front. Once the other riders were tired from catching another of Tad's attacks, Josep pounced before they could recover. He easily won with Tad interfere with the effort to chase down his brother. I couldn't pass up a pair that was so in sync with each other.
LR: You've been pushing the training. What are your race plans?
CD: I've scheduled seven races in the first quarter.
21/02 Valley of the Sun Stage Race
27/02 Le Tour de Langkwai
05/03 Trofej Umag
09/03 Dorpenomloop Rucphen
13/03 Istrian Spring Trophy
23/03 GP San Giuseppe
29/03 Volta ao Alentajo
Our sponsors have asked us to focus on Valley of the Sun and Dorpenomloop, but I am simply hoping we may a good showing. We can make it up to them later in the season.
LR: That sounds like a typical schedule for a new team except for Langkwai; that is a 2.HC race.
CD: I know, it is a funny thing. We were turned down for a few Continental races so as an afterthought I sent a request for an invitation to Langkwai. I was stunned to receive notice that we had been accepted. Still it will be a great experience to be in a high profile race.
Next week fans- the season begins! I'll bring you all the results from the Valley of the Sun Stage Race!
Lanterne Rouge by Ace Doyle 7 Jours de Cyclisme, vol. IV, Issue 7, 24/02/2012
Top of the morning cycling fans! Your pal Ace Doyle is coming to you from Arizona, U.S.A. With the report on Biedronka- Pizza Hut's first race, the Valley of the Sun Stage Race.
The opening stage was a 22.8 km time Trial. Mateusz Nowaczek was the first BIE rider to put foot to pedal in competition as the second rider off the start. His end time was 26'52” which looked good, until the specialists took to the road.
At the end of the day Konwa was placed a third of the way down the field. Surprisingly it was Leigh Williams placing highest for BIE today:
1
Scott Zwinzanski
OPM
25'45”
2
Alex Rassmusen
VPC
+3”
3
Andre Steensen
CUL
+4”
8
Leigh Williams
BIE
+12”
9
Tadeusz Cylkowski
BIE
+14”
12
Josep Cylkowski
BIE
+17”
30
Stan White Eagle
BIE
+36”
61
Mateusz Nowaczek
BIE
+1'07”
62
Jeffery Perrin
BIE
+1'07”
94
Michal Podlaski
BIE
+1'45”
176
Marek Konwa
BIE
+3'24”
Stage 2 was the 160km Casa Grande road race.
The peloton ready to start
The inexperience of the Biedronka team showed as despite making many strong individual efforts, the team could not coordinate a sustained attack.
Stan White Eagle attacks on Casa Grande climb
In the last third of the race United Health Care took charge revving the pace until the pack split. Over one hundred riders lost seven and a half minutes.
Directeur Duszynski took responsibility for team lack of coordination. “I was not prepared for the pace of a pro race and let riders sit separately for too long. They were too spread out in the peloton to assist each other as opportunities arose. I will make sure we gather and work as a team next time.”
Marc de Maar of UHC won the stage, taking the leader's jersey while Josep Cylkowski placed best for Biedronka at 34th with the same time.
All was not lost for Biedronka however. Cylkowski, White Eagle, Nowaczek and Podlaski kept up with the lead group so Biedronka was second in the team standings, one second behind UHC. Also due to a time bonus, Josep found himself on the podium wearing the white jersey.
The final stage was the 70 km Downtown Phoenix Criterium. As promised, Duszynski had the team working as a unit, often at the front doing their share. Tadeusz Cykowski and Leigh Williams attacked at the mid point and stayed away to win the last intermediate sprint but UHC reeled them in. Biedronka was well aligned for the final sprint
but again their inexperience showed, letting other teams interfere with their train. Jure Kocjan easily won the spirnt.
Jeffery Perrin was placed best at 10th.
Valley of the Sun Stage Race Final Standings
Overall:
1
Marc de Maar
UHC
5h18'04"
2
Scott Zwizanski
OPM
+12"
3
Alex Rassmussen
VPC
+15"
4
Andre Steensen
CUL
+16"
5
Francisco Mancebo
SKD
+18"
6
Reidar Borgerson
TJO
+20"
7
Sergei Tvetcov
JBC
+23"
8
Martyn Irvine
UHC
+27"
9
Ben Jacques-Maynes
JSH
+28"
10
Josep Cylkowski
BIE
+29"
29
Stan Whte Eagle
BIE
+48"
45
Mateusz Nowaczek
BIE
+1'19"
53
Michal Podlaski
BIE
+1'57"
74
Leigh Williams
BIE
+8'03"
75
Tadeusz Cylkowski
BIE
+8'05"
90
Jeffery Perrin
BE
+8'58"
179
Marek Konwa
BIE
+11'15"
181
Christian Parrett
5HR
+13'35" Lanterne Rouge
Mountain:
1
Odd Christian Eiking
TJO
6
2
Javier Magias
TNN
6
3
Steve Fisher
JBO
6
7
Leigh Williams
BIE
2
Points
1
Marc de Maar
UHC
45
2
Jure Kocjan
SSC
45
3
Magnus Cort
CUL
30
16
Tadeusz Cylkowski
BIE
11
Young Rider:
1
Josep Cylkowski
BIE
5h18'33"
2
Prysemyslaw Kasperkiewicz
BAU
+2"
3
Owain Doull
SKT
+4"
Cylkowski tops the Young Riders
Team:
1
United Healthcare
UHC
15h55'30"
2
Biedronka – Pizza Hut
BIE
+1"
3
Optimum
OPM
+34"
I asked Directeur Duszynski his opinion of Biedronka's first race
CD: We missed some opportunities and lacked coordination many times but overall I am extremely pleased. The riders worked for each other selflessly. Winning the White Jersey and placing second overall in the Team classification is amazing. I never expected we would challenge the other teams so well.
Still I think we relied too much on luck and not enough on skill. Our new pros need to adapt to pro race pacing and more important I need to adapt for us to have continuing successes.
@Ollie23 Thanks- I was so surprised I didn't even get a screen shot on the stage 2 podium. I had never seen a team split a field like that n earlier PCM games. I don't know if it is better modeling of wind effects in PCM 14 or because I have not played on hard much before. (I'm not brave enough to go to extreme yet. I will if it seems I am placing too high for a team with only 2 riders 70+)
I will be out of town for a few days which will let Ace get caught up on race recaps
Lanterne Rouge by Ace Doyle 7 Jours de Cyclisme, vol. IV, Issue 8, 24/02/2012
Baik peminat berbasikal pagi!
Let me tell you all it is a long, long flight to Kuala Lampur! It feels like it took over a month to get here.
Mildred has lots of experience with long voyages. She advisedme to bring along pickles and limes to ward off scurvy. It proved useful to have snack food along.
I had time to discuss the race strategy with our directeur on route. Casimir plans to go for points and maybe the climbers jersey if the opportunity presents.
Stage one was 163 km from Kangar to Kulim. We saw Biedronka make a statement at the 30 km mark when Jeff Perrin and Tad Cylkowski launched a combined attack. Unfortunately they were overtaken by a coalition of riders from OFM, LKT and Amore. The peloton was content to allow the first two sprints to go uncontested by the breakaway before reeling them in.
As the break was overtaken, team capitan Marcin Sapa and Stan White Eagle took off on what was to be a 70 km breakaway. Unfortunately they were caught within sight of the finish. Kenneth Vanbilsen of Topsport Vlaanderen bested Adam Blythe of NFTO for the top spot of the day.
The second stage from Serdang to Kuala Kangsar. The only interesting point of the day was the 7.8% climb up Bukit Sumpitan. Sapa and Pawel Franczak attacked 5 km before the climb pulling Leigh Williams with them. As the grade exceeded 9%, Williams dropped his teammates, riding alone ahead of a determined chase by the peloton. IAM drove the pace closing the gap but just not able to catch Williams. Simon Yates of Orica was a wheel behind Williams at the top. Janier Acevedo of Garmin led the peloton; they were a mere two seconds behind Williams and Yates.
Ramunas Navardauskas of Garmin winning the stage was an anti-climax following the battle up Bukit Sumpitan.
Day three was a 137 km ride into the Cameron Highlands. Nearly the entire second half of the race would be climbing, finishing over 1400 m higher than the start. Biedronka used the same formula but Jeff Perrin and Tad Cylkowski leading Williams. It soon became clear the effect of the climb up Bukit Sumpitan had on the whole peloton. No organized chase could be maintained and the field shattered. Perrin soon fell behind but Cylkowski and Williams led the field
only threatened by a chase group of Pieter Weening (OGE), Ilnur Zakarin (RVL) and Janier Acevedo(GRS). The two Biedronka riders held off the case until the final climb with all five riders together.
Acevedo faltered first soon followed by Cylkowski.
A grade of over 11% proved too much for Williams who could only watch the other two riders pull away.
Weening won the sprint ahead of Zakarin,
Williams 2'19” behind.
Casimir Duszynski was very pleased with how the week ended. Three riders sit in the top 10, Williams, Cylkowski and Perrin, Sapa is respectably placed seventh in points and Williams wearing the climbers jersey.
and nice jersey by the way 
Marcin Sapa joined BIE from BDC-Marcpol. At 38 years old this veteran is the oldest rider on our team. He will be road captain, helping to steady the younger riders. Marcin still can accelerate well and is strong on the flats. He will be able to lead by example
Stan White Eagle is another first year pro. A Native American from South Dakota could be our best find. He flew {flew- Eagle, get it? Ok I'm a columnist, not a stand up comic} underneath the radar, never riding in big events, but dominating the local races. He is a tenacious rider, showing the ability to keep up with the veterans in training.
Alex Rassmusen
Marc de Maar
Francisco Mancebo
Reidar Borgerson
Sergei Tvetcov
Martyn Irvine
Jure Kocjan
Owain Doull
