Drapac Porsche Cycling’s Gene Bates rode courageously all day, taking third place and winning the King of the Mountains classification in the UCI 1.1 race from Halle to Ingooigem.

Bates who attacked with two other cyclists in the first 10 kilometres of the 198 kilometre race said he was surprised that the peloton allowed the break to get such a lead.

“Even though our lead got out to over 10 minutes it wasn’t until the last 50 kilometres that I actually believed we had a chance at holding off the peloton,” said Bates.

“It was one of the hardest days of my life,” said an exhausted Bates at the finish line. “This is one of the best results of my career and a credit to the Drapac Porsche program.”

“It is great to be able to perform at such a big race for myself but more so for the team. I would not be able to continue my cycling as well as complete my university degree without their support,” said the little man from Adelaide.

Bates was joined in the break by fellow Australian and Drapac Porsche graduate Mitchell Docker [Skil-Shimano] as well as eventual winner Jurgen Vandewalle [Quickstep].

Drapac Porsche Cycling Director Sportif Agostino Giramondo said it is amazing to be on the podium two years in a row.

“This morning at our team meeting we decided that we needed to make sure we were represented in the early break. Gene got away almost straight away and the race unfolded from there,” said Giramondo.

Visit drapaccycling.com for further information the team’s European Campaign.

Shimano is proud sponsor of the Drapac Porsche Cycling Team.