The Eritreans are mainly known for their stage racers Berhane and Teklehaimanot. First has won the Tour of America this year, which must be their all-time high in the young cycling Nation. So it`s not a surprise that we are in the mountains today with both of them the clear favourites.
Eritel surely wants one of those in the NC jersey but in first case keep the jersey in their rows as Kudus or Russom surely want to get it as well as next best climbers.
Early on 5 riders in the attack and while none of them is Berhane or Teklehaimanot, Eritel must be happy to see 3 or their riders in there plus the loaned out Afewerki in Oz colours.
Last years winner Kiflay
Amanuel
Afewerki
Tewelde
Abraha (Pendletons)
Before the 2nd mountain the gap is up to 15min and the peloton is giving up! So no Berhane or Teklehaimanot. But it will be an Eritel rider most likely as Tewelde and the only non Eritel rider Abraha are also having a 2min gap to them and clearly losing on the trio in front.
Kiflay was doing the most work on the middle climb and now as best descender seems to attack on the downhill.
Though it was a last attempt only. Just when the final climb starts he is dropped. Amanuel vs. Afewerki it is.
And Amanuel attacks with 3km to go.
Afewerki can`t follow and is in danger to be caught by Kiflay again, who seems to have recovered.
Big winner today though is Amanuel, who keeps the jersey in the team`s colours.
Kiflay indeed passed Afewerki in the end again but is 1'59 behind. 26s ahead of later though.
Abraha and Tewelde already ~10min behind as last finishers.
The time trial also sees 2 Eritel riders in the favourite position. The reigning champion Teklehaimanot and Kiflay are very equal against the clock. The later one though should be improved in future as counts as biggest Eritrean time trial talent. The gap to Russom and Kudus already is big enough to normally decide the TT battle in between those two Eritel riders.
Teklehaimanot is 6s down on Kiflay at the first split.
The younger Kiflay keeps the same gap also at the 2nd split. Very close fight while all others are at more than 1min already.
3rd split and still only 7s. Russom in 3rd at 1'53.
Finish and the clock shows +8s for Teklehaimanot.
So Kiflay takes the TT jersey next year. Double NC for Eritel.
Meron Amanuel
