David Tanner conquered the grueling Tombstone stage of La Vuelta de Bisbee that included the 1,800-metre Mule pass. In a day that team Fly V Australia were focused on supporting and protecting Darren’s overall lead, Tanner played the role of helper and winner with aplomb. Tanner was joined in the break by teammate Charles Dionne whilst they not only ‘policed’ the riders in the break but also positioned themselves to take out the stage win. Darren Lill was well supported by climbing sensations Phil Zajicek and Jai Crawford who were at the GC leaders side throughout the race.
With ten kilometers to race attacks started coming from the leading group of around 10. By this time the stage at 135 kilometers and with significant climbing began to take it’s toll on the riders. Tanner and Dionne were well positioned for the difficult run into the finish. The culmination of a tough stage was evidenced in the leading groups progress to the finish with the riders in ones and twos and gaps opening.
Tanner won from Mathis (AXA equitable) at 2 seconds with a further 2 seconds back to Fly V Australia teammate Charles Dionne.
Lill said after the stage, “Going into the stage I only really had to watch Kilun (United Health care) and the tour was ours. Having Charles and Tanner in the break took some pressure off, we just ensured that the Peloton remained at around 2 minutes to the break and the race was ours.”
Lill went on to say, “We head straight to the Tour of the Gila from here and I am looking forward to the race very much, not only do we approach Gila with a great Team but our spirits are high after our results here at Bisbee. We also have the added benefits of Lance Armstrong and his team competing which should add to the difficulty and challenge of the race.”
Stage 3 results.
1 TANNER, David AU Fly V Australia 15 0 3h 19' 59''
2 MATHIS, Michael NY AXA Equitable 10 0 @ 0h 00' 02''
3 DIONNE, Charles QC Fly V Australia 5 0 @ 0h 00' 04
Final overall results.
1 LILL, Darren SA Fly V Australia P-1 7h 18' 34''
2 KILUN, Roman CA UnitedHealthcare P-1 @ 0h 00' 23''
3 HELMIG, Christian TX Metro VW P-1 @ 0h 01' 25''