2nd February – Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race Men: Geelong – Geelong
The last race of the Australian block saw one of the hardest and most attritional editions of Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in recent history. Working well as a unit throughout the day, Team Picnic PostNL had two cards to play for the finale: Oscar Onley to follow the moves on the climbs if the attackers went for it, and Tobias Lund Andresen for if things came back together in a reduced sprint. Keeping tabs on the break through some strong early riding by the team, the bunch thinned down over each ascent of Challambra Crescent and going onto the climb for the last time Lund Andresen and Onley were in the reduced bunch of around 30 riders. The pace ramped up and Onley followed at the front, while Lund Andresen dug deep in one of the chasing groups. Ahead, it was tactical and eventual race winner Schmid made a well-timed move when the pace lulled. Gambling on those with numbers to close things down, Onley was attentive and followed the wheels in the group after trying to bridge to Schmid on the last kicker, but in the end the catch was never made. Onley sprinted to the line for ninth place while Lund Andresen showed his speed from the main group behind to take 15th place on the day.
Onley said: “We came into the race with a couple options; with myself and Tobi for the final. I just followed the wheels on the last climb hoping Tobi could make it in our group. I’m frustrated with myself for not trying to follow Schimd but I tried to gamble and hoped others would close it down. Overall, it’s been quite a successful trip for the team but I’m hoping to step up a level in the coming races.”