Culverwell tests Belgians
THREE races down in his Belgian tour and Sam Culverwell has ignited his confidence with a superb second-place finish.
This result came in a three-man sprint at the Omloop van Westkerke, just one day after placing 11th in a solid outing where the Belgians clean-swept the top-10.
The 18-year-old, who will race again tomorrow, likened the quality of amateur ‘kermesse’ racing to that of the National As in which he debuted this season.
‘The standard is really high... it’s like a two-and-a-half-hour flat-out National A,’ said a cyclist who also placed second in his last ‘Prem’ before heading to Belgium.
On Thursday, a tired but determined Culverwell lined up for the event intent to ride a clever race and save energy.
He held back on the attacks initially and did not pursue a major breakaway made about one-third into the 21-lap course.
With the gap bridged and in the later laps, Culverwell tested his legs and got involved in what was to become the winning break.
Although he tried his luck into a headwind in the last kilometre, he could not get clear and Belgium’s Jens Vandenbogarde eventually outsprinted him.
‘I was a bit disappointed not to get the win, but I was told afterwards the guy that won has got a great sprint,’ said Culverwell.
‘I was also pleased, because I had done two laps off the front.
‘It is good for my confidence. A lot of people at the end were saying I was ridiculously strong in that race.
‘On Sunday I’m on fresher legs and hopefully I can get a win – maybe not necessarily on Sunday but in one of these races.’
