Cory Wallace was awarded the stage 5, after a course marking mix-up on stage 5 of the Genco Mongolia Bike Challenge presented by Orbea, which saw times awarded some 44km before the end of the stage.
The stage was run as scheduled, with a 96km loop which included 1,400m of climbing. However shortly after the second KOM point at 52km, the leaders on the trail were sent of course by a “course marking issue”. Organisers therefore decided to record times as at the second KOM point, with Wallace riding across ahead of Mark Frendo (Oyu Tolgoi) and Jason Sager (Jamis).
The lead group on stage 5. Photo © Erik Peterson (6)
The result added a handful of seconds to Wallace’s overall lead, which sees him clear of Antonio Ortiz and Frendo.
Sonya Looney in high spirits on stage 5. Photo © Erik Peterson (6)
In the women’s race the sense of deja vu continued, as Catherine Williamson again crossed ahead of Sonya Looney and Erin Greene. Those three women also hold the corresponding positions on their GC. The trio had been joined throughout the stage by Jessica Douglas, with Bethany Thompson and Jennifer Shulz sharing the work in the group.
The marking issue followed a tough, and at times confusing, few days for organisers and racers alike, after bad weather forced the cancellation of stage 3, and the shortening of stage 4.
It was ‘hike-a-bike’ for some today. Photo © Erik Peterson
Making adjustments ahead of stage 6. Photo © Erik Peterson