High Road Duo Go It Alone for Epic Victory

April 05, 2008

A gutsy day-long break by High Road’s Adam Hansen and Tony Martin culminated in a
remarkable victory for Martin in the Hel Van Het Mergelland one-day race in Holland on
Saturday.

Hansen and Martin broke away after just 15 kilometres of racing and the duo stayed away, with
no other riders in the move, for the entire day.

They crossed the line together a good four minutes ahead of a leading chase group of four, and
around 11 ahead of the main bunch of 20.

“Adam and me attacked, found there was just the two of us out there and decided to keep
going. For a good 50 kilometres we had to really fight to convince the bunch to let us go.”
Martin recounted.

“Then afterwards the bunch cracked and the gap just grew and grew. We had no idea whether
we would stay away or not, so we just hoped.”

Weather conditions were far from favourable from the duo. Heavy rain early in the day made the
roads treacherous, but the two persevered nonetheless.

“We decided together that I would win. It was dangerous because there were cobbled sections
to try and sprint in any case, plus Adam is a good friend and we are team-mates, too.”

“Adam said I should win after he punctured and I waited for him.”

“It’s a very special, memorable victory - my first for High Road, too!”

“I honestly can’t remember anything like this happening before in a bike race, two team-mates
going away so early and staying away right to the finish.” added Tristan Hoffman, team sports
director.

“It’s a really exceptional victor after an exceptional race. They fought like animals to get their
break away. First they only had a minute, then 90 seconds but they kept going until the bunch
split into four.”

“I’m very pleased for the team, but I’m also pleased because it’s good to see when two riders-
any riders - are so aggressive in a race and they get the right reward: a great win.”

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High Road Duo Go It Alone for Epic Victory