Strong start in Taiwan with Beadle top ten on stage one

It’s no secret that New Zealander Hamish Beadle loves the short, fast criterium style racing and the 25-year-old showed why on todays opening stage of the Tour de Taiwan, sprinting to a top ten for Team Novo Nordisk in Taipei.

Head sports director Massimo Podenzana:

“That’s the start we were looking for from Hamish and the guys. We knew it was going be very fast, at less than 90km and pan flat and we rode together as a unit throughout, which was great to see.”

“A six rider breakaway went clear, but they never got much more than a minute and the situation was always under control, the only negative from today was that Andrea crashed in the first 20km, but thankfully he’s ok and we can look forward to tomorrow. 

“There’s a pair of short second category climbs before the finish and another ramp before the line, so it will be an interesting finale.”

Hamish Beadle:

“I really enjoy these races, they suit me well and I have fond memories of the Tour de Taiwan, so to get a good start under the belt is sweet. Today was great, a little sketchy in the bunch but we did a good job coming into the finish.”

“Andrea had some bad luck early on with a crash and then a late dropped chain so we were left wondering a little what could have been! But that’s racing. Everyone did an awesome job throughout the stage and for the final, but we know we can be better, so we’ll continue to work and refine the lead out for the coming days!”