Catherine Williamson claimed a second successive stage victory at the 2013 Genco Mongolia Bike Challenge presented by Orbea, as racers travelled 126 kilometres along the Tuul River on Monday. First across the line was Antonio Ortiz, who edged out Pau Zamora in a sprint finish after the pair escaped shortly after the second feed station.
A local checks in on the progress of the bunch. Photo ©: Erik Peterson
For Williamson (Bizhub-Energas) it was yet another emphatic stage win, as she again finishing ahead of American Sonya Looney (Topeak Ergon), who crossed the line 26 minutes in arrears of her British rival. Erin Greene (Endura NZ) of Australia rounded out the day’s podium, with Jess Douglas (Liv Giant) 4th on a day which included 2,450m of climbing. With 2 stages completed (and 5 to go), Williamson already possesses more than an hour’s lead over Looney.
Video highlights of stage 2
Earlier, in the Men’s race, a large group of leading riders had enter the second. The group included race leader Cory Wallace (Kona), Mark Frendo (Oyu Tolgoi), Kysosuke Takei (Forza/Crankpunk), Jason Sager (Jamis), Altanzol Altansukh (Genco Tour Bureau), Antonio Ortiz (Selle SMP) and Pau Zamora (Buff-Niner).
A bunch puts their heads down on a fast section. Photo ©: Erik Peterson
For Ortiz and Zamora, quick stops afforded them a gap, which they were able to convert into what would be a race winning move. While Ortiz took stage honours in their 2-up sprint, both were rewarded for their efforts by pulling back more than 2 minutes on Wallace’s overall time, as the Canadian retained his jersey. In the race for 3rd, it was Mongolian rider Altanzol Altansukh who lead the chase group across the line – a brilliant result for the home racer.
Antonio Ortiz and Pau Zamora push on towards the finish. Photo ©: Erik Peterson
Click here for results of the stage. Stage 3 will begin from the banks of the Tuul River and will take the competitors over 148 kilometres to Kavcir Ganga Camp.
There was great weather for competitors on stage 2. Photo ©: Erik Peterson
While some of the more Elite riders in the race battle it out at the front, the event is dubbed a ‘Challenge’, and for many of the competitors it’s the adventure aspect of racing in Mongolia that they’ve come. The race sat down with some of them at the end of day 2 to get their thoughts: