Wesemann third overall in Korea after fighting his way back after a late puncture

Martin Wesemann put on a show of strength to fight his way to third overall on the second day of the Tour of Korea (June 9-17 /n UCI 2.2). After the South African helped his teammate Kristian Sbaragli win the opening stage the previous day, it was now up to him to present the colours of MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung. He rode together with teammate Bradley Potgieter in the day’s group for a long time and secured the African Professional Continental team’s second success in the race through Korea.

In an exciting finale, the 29-year-old lost touch with the lead group at the 10 kilometer mark due to a puncture. But the experienced pro from Cape Town fought his way back into the race and finished eighth on the stage.

“Once the move got away the rest of the teams looked to us to control the race, but with this only being the 2nd stage we know there is a lot of racing to come so we did not try to close everything down”, said an exhausted but happy Wesemann after the race.

“I’m pleased for Martin. He proved his strength again today and had a good chance to win the stage, but for the unfortunate he punctured in a bad moment”, directeur sportif Kevin Campbell said after stage two. “Once again Asian racing proved to be unpredictable.”

Just as Wesemann supported Sbaragli’s winning effort on Sunday, this was his day to receive help. The team sent special praise to Potgieter, who supported Wesmann in the break group for most of the stage.

The victory on the Monday’s second stage over 142 kilometers between Muju and Gumi went to American Eric Young (Optum) in the sprint of the lead group ahead of Korean Jimin Jung (KSPO) and Australian Jason Kerby (Christina Watches). New overall leader is Kinglok Cheung, from Hong Kong and riding for the China National Team.

After only 20 kilometers, the group of the day formed – 21 riders, including the two South Africans Martin Wesemann and Bradley Potgieter, who built up a maximum lead of five minutes. 28 kilometers before the finish, Korean Yoonjong Seo (KSPO) attacked out of the group and quicklly built up gap. The local rider looked to be the sure winner, but in the finale the chasers got serious and caught him again with three kilometers to go. Near the end of the race, MTN-Qhubeka had a scare when Wesemann punctured with only 10 km to go. But he was able to join the chasers again and with his show of strength finished the stage as eighth and was able to secure the third place overall in the Tour of Korea.

Tomorrow’s third stage runs over 165 kilometres from Gumi to Yeongju. The race in South Korea ends after eight stages and 1,077 kilometers in Hanam.

Race information: www.tourdekorea.or.kr

Tour of Korea (Korea) – (June 9 – 16 / UCI 2.2): Louis Meintjes (RSA), Johann Van Zyl (RSA), Bradley Potgieter (RSA), Martin Wesemann (RSA), Dennis Van Niekerk (RSA), Songezo Jim (RSA), Kristian Sbaragli (ITA)

Staff: Kevin Campbell (Directeur Sportif), Yvonne Houweling (Soigneur), Russel Lenhoff (Soigneur), Casper Bester (Mechanic)