 Dean Downing in China – he needs a barbers… |
In the longest stage (208km) of the Tour of Qinghai Lake so far a straight out and back route, Dean Downing survived a 160km long break away to claim a great 3rd place.
Attacks were going all the time in the first 50km and then a group of six including Downing managed to crack the fast moving bunch.
Gaining a max time gap of 7 minutes 50 at the 105 km turning point the group worked well together to hold of a fast moving LiquiGas train on the front of the bunch. 15 km out the break was down to 4 and Downing hit out 8km from the end only to be caught by the 3 chasers, 4km out and a Intel rider hit out for the win and held on, Downing was caught 50m from the line for 2nd and claimed a great 3rd place in this Hors Catergory event.
Downing also took 1st and 2nd in the 2 intermediate sprints from the day.
With only 3 days to go Downing is sitting mid table in the classement at around 45 minutes behind the yellow jersey.
Keep up to date with Dean and the DFL team at: www.deanodowning.co.uk
