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Rapha Condor JLT Hit The Ground Running

Author: Extra UK | Thu, 3 Jan 2013

Fi'zi:k-sponsored Rapha Condor JLT Team rider Kristian House has once again hit the ground running in the early season, taking a brilliant second place in the toughest race of the Bay Series in Melbourne, Australia. The three race criterium series that started on the first of January is renowned for itshigh intensity racing. The 2013 edition was no exception with high temperatures affecting the racing, making sure the young Rapha Condor JLT riders work hard in their debut race of the season.

House's first podium of the year came on the second day of the series on the hilly Portarlington circuit. House formed part of a three-man move in the final twenty minutes of the race, along with Orica Green Edge riderLuke Durbridge and New Zealander James Oram. It was World Tour rider Durbridge who eventually took the win after attacking the group going into the bell lap,  before House won the sprint for second just two seconds behind the young Australian.

While House was clearly reaping the benefits of a good winter in Australia and prior experience in the Bay Criteriums, John Herety's group of young riders found the going much tougher.

Speaking directly after the final race, John Herety appraised his young riders efforts. "It was tough going for the guys. The first day on Richie Boulevard was really hard, but as always on that 'hot dog' circuit there only ended up being twenty or so finishers. We had a couple of crashes in the support race, but I was very pleased with the performances of Ed Laverack, and Elliot Porter in particular."

"By the time we got to Williamstown for the final stage it was good to see Rich Handley was in the action and the boys were much more comfortable. It's been a good series, and now the guys are getting ready for the Sun Tour prologue which starts tonight."

As the Sun Tour was due to get underway, temperatures in Victoria are set to soar above 40 degrees centigrade over the following days. The first road stage of the Sun Tour that starts tomorrow has been rescheduled to start some two hours earlier to avoid the hottest part of the day.

Follow the team on twitter @raphacondor for updates from the racing as it happens.