Tough stage 3 at Vuelta de Murcia sees Jack Bauer in lead select group
Stage 3 of the Vuelta Ciclista a la Region de Murcia saw Alexandre Blain hold on the to the blue Meta Volantes Sprints jersey and Jack Bauer take an excellent 15th place finish in the 30-man bunch sprint into Alhama de Murcia this afternoon.
The 166.5km stage saw the field blown apart on the climbs that included the Category 1 Alto del Collado Bermejo.
Speaking after the tough run-in NZ champ Bauer said "The climb split up into two, first one was OK - Radio Shack were drilling it, but I managed just to hang on to the back going over the top of it, then on the second one it just all popped. I managed to get back on after the downhill - laid it all on the line, took some risks and managed to get back on the flat. I had a bit of a kick at it at the end, but it was pretty fast! I'm stoked with a top 15 finish!"
Endura Racing's man-in-blue Alexandre Blain once again held onto the blue sprints competition overall and now leads by just one point from Lieuwe Westra of the Vacansoleil team.
Endura Racing ride LOOK 595 & 596, SRAM Red, Met Sine Thesis & Tacx Bushido.
Jack Bauer Q & A
Four most significant cycling achievements?
Tielt Kermesse 1st place, October 09 Belgium / 2nd National Club road championships NZ 09/ 1st place stage2 Tour of Southland 09 / 2nd Tour of Southland 09.
Best moment on bike?
Stage 2 win Tour of Southland 09. I had always wanted to win a stage at Southland. This year I won the infamous Bluff Hill stage on day 1 - it finishes up the steepest hill in NZ road racing. And it is pretty much vertical!
Person who has had the most influence on your cycling career and why?
Dad has had a lot of influence on me, because I first started my riding and racing with him. This was when I was a child. He has kept tabs on me and supported me a lot throughout my career.
Rider you most revere/admire and why?
No idea, Brad Wiggins comes to mind though.
What was your first ever bike?
Milazo mountain bike. 21spd 'crazy horse'!
Your most "impressive" injury?
During my uni days I sustained some decent cuts to most of my body after snapping the left crank arm off while jumping an old mtn bike off a set of stairs in dunedin nz. This was the night of Dunedin's annual "nude day". And yes, we were all in our birthday suits. It was raining, slippery, and everybody said the stair gap couldn't be done...
What is your favourite route?
From my parent's home in Para Para New Zealand, I head through Takaka and up Takaka hill, then back. 100km round trip with a decent climb up the hill (750m). The views are sick and it's a great training loop.
If you were not a pro-racer what would you be doing right now?
I quit my band to ride in Belgium this year, so I would probably still be doing that.
What is your hidden talent?
I am a decent bassist.
What is your favourite food?
PIZZA!!
Do you have a particular lucky ritual before a race or any other quirks or superstitions?
NO.
What’s your aim for 2010 and beyond?
First of all I aim to prove myself in Endura, both as a team member and also as a strong individual rider. I aim to get selected for a pro-tour level team, ride for NZ in Olympic road race London, ride the Tour.
What does being in Endura Racing mean to you?
The chance to ride for Endura is a massive step forward for me! I see it as a major chance to improve and also the opportunity to learn from some of the best!
