Team Coop – Hitec Products have scored their first UCI points of the 2023 season in the Santos Tour Down Under this week in Adelaide.
The 6-rider strong line-up consisted of 5 nationalities, with new signings Kerry Jonker (RSA) and Georgia Danford (NZ) making their debut for the team, as well as returning riders Josie Nelson (GBR), Mari Mohr (NOR), Sylvie Swinkels (NED) and Tiril Jørgensen (NOR) making the trip Down Under. The team was led by new Assistant Sports Director Tjarco Cuppens.
Pictured L to R: Georgia Danford, Kerry Jonker and Sylvie Swinkels.
(Photo: Andy Rogers, Fame and Spear Photography)
Ziptrak Stage 1: Glenelg to Aldinga
Tjarco: “The plan was to go for young riders jersey with Josie and Mari, the team tried several attacks but the race was controlled due to a strong headwind. It ended up being a bunch sprint with Josie ending as 13th rider over the line and Mari in 30th, both on the same time as the winner. ”
Mari Mohr and Tiril Jørgensen after Stage 1
(Photo: Andy Rogers, Fame and Spear Photography)
Singapore Airlines Stage 2: Birdwood to Uraidla
Tjarco: A very hot day in the saddle for the whole team with the temperature reaching 38 degrees Celsius. This meant a lot of suffering and gaps opening between riders. Josie fought for every second on the descent to the finish and finished in 34th. After the second stage, Josie ranked as 31st on the GC and Mari 48th.
Pictured L to R: Georgia Danford, Josie Nelson, Sylvie Swinkels.
(Photo: Andy Rogers, Fame and Spear Photography)
Let’s Go Motorhomes Stage 3: Adelaide to Campbelltown
Tjarco: The plan was to try and get Josie into Top 30 GC as this would be 8 more UCI WorldTour points. Georgia formed the break of the day, riding 60km in the leading group of 3. The breakaway was however caught and on the last climb to the finish gaps started opening up between riders. Josie, Mari and Tiril stuck together to try and gain seconds on the GC. This group effort paid off as Josie and Mari came over the line in 24th and 25th, meaning that Josie jumped to 29th on GC and Mari to 39th. So, the first UCI points of the season for the team have been scored here at TDU.
Pictured: Tiril Jørgensen and Josie Nelson
(Photo: Andy Rogers, Fame and Spear Photography)
Catch the team again at their next race in Australia, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in Geelong, Melbourne on the 28th of January!