Stoke-on-Trent, England — Rock Racing’s Santiago Botero did the lion’s share of the work to ensure his breakaway would successfully stay in front to the finish Wednesday at the Tour of Britain.
But when it came time came to contest Stage 4’s uphill sprint on a narrow winding road through the streets of Stoke-on-Trent, Botero felt the efforts of contributing so much to the escape.
“I told the other guys in the break that we should keep it rolling to stay away for the win,” Botero said. “Unfortunately, when we got to the last kilometer, my legs weren’t that good because I had expended so much power in the breakaway.”
In the end, Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Columbia) snatched the victory from Giairo Ermeti (LPR Brakes-Ballan) by rapidly closing a large gap in the final 150 meters and sneaking through the tight, twisting finish. Boasson Hagen was part of Botero’s 10-rider break that went away over the first king of the mountain sprint during the 95-mile (152 km) race. Botero and several others in the break were swallowed up in the closing moments.
With the help of teammate Victor Hugo Peña, Botero bridged a gap to join a group of riders who had escaped the 91-strong peloton after only 12 miles (19 km). Joining Botero in the break were several others with plenty of horsepower, including team leaders David Millar (Team Garmin-Chipotle presented by H30) and Stuart O’Grady (CSC-Saxo Bank).
But the 10 in front never gained more than a two-minute advantage and, despite having to chase back from a flat tire in the final six miles, Romain Feillu (Agritubel) hung onto the overall lead. Oscar Sevilla was Rock Racing’s best finisher on the day in 15th place.
Botero said he peaked for the Summer Olympic Games, where he finished seventh in the road race and 25th in the time trial for Colombia. Then he took 10 days off the bike.
“So at this moment, I’m not in the best shape,” he said. “But I will keep trying to win a stage for the next couple of days.”
Photo: Vero Image
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