Ioannis Tamouridis (Euskaltel) has long been known as the leading Greek cycling but his chance to compete at WorldTour level has certainly raised his level even further. Today he won the Greek road race title just two days after his win at the time trial championships.
After a troubled early part of the season, the Euskaltel team finally has some momentum and prior to today's tally, Samuel Sanchez and Ioannis Tamouridis had already doubled the team's win tally in during the month of June. Today Tamouridis added further to the list by claiming his fourth ever win at the Greek national championships.
Tamouridis was one of a few foreign riders who signed with the Basque squad prior to the season as the team was on desperate outlook for value points that could secure its status as a ProTeam. They picked up enough riders to ensure its position but the many foreign riders have not been able to continue their winning streaks at the highest level.
The notable exception is Tamouridis who stepped up his level and performed solidly at his first ever grand tour at the Giro where he even sprinted into the top 10 in one of the flat stages. With his wins in both his national time trial and road race championships, he has now taken 2 of just 5 wins for his team during the first half of the season.
Tamouridis has dominated racing in his home country in recent years and today's win was his third in just 4 years, the Greek having only missed out last year when he failed to step onto the podium. Georgios and Apostolos Bouglas - both riding for the best Greek team, SP Tableware - were his nearest challengers in today's race.
Result:
1. Ioannis Tamouridis
2. Georgios Bouklas
3. Apostolos Bouklas
20.04: EPZ Omloop van Borsele |
17.04 - 21.04: Tour de Tunisie |
18.04 - 21.04: Eroica Juniores |
19.04 - 21.04: EPZ Omloop van Borsele |
20.04 - 21.04: Gipuzkoa Klasika |
21.04: Liège-Bastogne-Liège |
21.04: Giro della Romagna |
21.04: Gent-Wevelgem U23 |
21.04: Gent-Wevelgem Junior |
21.04: Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes |
Yoan VERARDO 31 years | today |
Ben BOETS 29 years | today |
Magnus SHEFFIELD 22 years | today |
Maky ROMAN 38 years | today |
Shane HAGA 33 years | today |
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