Lachlan Norris showed his climbing form in today’s challenging stage 1 of Jayco Herald Sun Tour. The first climb of the 152 km stage came at 8km, and immediately separated the field, with Norris making the break into the lead group. The break ultimately defined the race, as the two groups were separated by 25 minutes at the finish. Norris finished the day at +:10, in 20th position.

“The first climb broke the field apart and I felt comfortable in the front group. I rode in control and knew that the winner would come from our group. I tried to monitor all moves and got caught up when Cam and Joe jumped,” Norris said. ““I am satisfied with the result today. I of course, wanted to be higher up in the results on the day but the overall goal for the day was to get a solid position in the GC.”

The gap was eight minutes by the KOM and within another 20km had extended to just over 12 minutes with the peloton sitting up after 100km of racing. The time gap then blew out. The tactics came into play the last 15 km. Norris was the lone Drapac rider in the group and had to react to the critical moves. Cameron Meyer (Orica GreenEdge) and Joe Cooper (Avanti Racing) emerged from the 21-rider group with just under 10km to go and held a 10 second gap to the field. Meyer clinched the victory at the line in a powerful sprint, with Cooper second.

“Today didn’t go exactly to plan. We knew it was going to be hard from the gun and expected Norris and Sam Spokes to be in the front group with the possibility of Adam Phelan or Robbie Hucker to assist. Over the first climb of the day and only 10kms into the race saw a 21-man break go away which would stay away all day. Norris was the only one to make the split which was disappointing for the team and also for Norris who then had no one to rely on in the finish,” Agostino Giramondo, Sports Director said. “Spokes had an off day and might be feeling the effects of Sunday’s race still.”

“It was a bit frustrating at the finish. It was a bit negative as I was trying to get across and bridge to Cam and Joe, but couldn’t get there for the finish. Losing that 10 seconds could be critical in the overall come the end but I will do what I can. I will give everything on that final day and see what I can do. Cam is climbing well so it will be hard to get 10 seconds back but I am willing to give it a go,” Norris added.

William Clarke, with a sensational victory in last night’s prologue, started the day in yellow and will look to continue to support the other riders the next few days.

“I was thrilled to win the race in our hometown last night and definitely felt proud for our team and our owner as Drapac Group was founded in Melbourne. The high of winning was still there this am however, the climbs today were tough and I didn’t feel great. I will regroup for tomorrow and make sure I am ready to do some work for the team,” Clarke said.

“Team is good spirits and momentum is there. We will look for another stage win and continue to work well as a group. Tomorrow is all about BJ (Brenton Jones) so we will get behind him and work to put him in a good position for the finish,” Norris said.

Stage Two begins at Bendigo’s outdoor velodrome before making its way to Nagambie.  The 117.9km journey offers little climbing and is expected to result in a fast and furious bunch sprint.