Roman van Uden, James Williamson and Michael Torckler attacked from the beginning of the stage but like all other breakaways were swiftly brought back by the peloton.
“We worked really well as a team today,” said Director Sportif, John “Harry” Harris, “with only three riders it is really difficult, they tried really hard but kept being brought back.”
The stage ended, as predicted, in a bunch sprint, won by Harrif Salleh of Terengganu Cycling Team. Roman placed 5th in with the same time as the winner, 2:40:56.
“Michael shot out with 5km to go, he was trying to set up a sprint for Roman but he was caught not long before the finish,” said Harry.
Stage Five sees another big day in the Malaysian heat, with the stage covering 193.4km including three sprint premes, and a single KOM preme.
“Tomorrow is going to be a long day, the team in yellow is going to be under a lot of pressure,” said Harry, “If we can get Michael up those hills we will throw the dice and make a play where we can, put the cat amoungst the pigeons and see if something can go our way.”
It is going to be a big battle for the team tomorrow with only three riders but Harry believes Roman, James and Michael have the strength to turn something up.
Louis Crosby and Shem Rodger are both recovering well from their crashes; they have lucky come out with no major injuries.