Extra Thai flavour spices up 2018 Masters Tour of Chiang Mai
October 24, 2018
That the recently concluded 2018 Masters Tour of Chiang Mai (MTCM) solidified the four-day stage race’s reputation as one of the best cycling events in Southeast Asia shouldn’t be a surprise to previous participants, but its success wasn’t seen as a sure thing in the run-up to the October 13-16 event.
There were a few fears going into what was the eighth edition of the MTCM that it might struggle to maintain the momentum that it has steadily built each year since its inception in 2011 due to potentially lower participatory numbers. However, those worries proved to be unfounded as nearly 200 bike racers and the northern Thai capital put on another entertaining and memorable show.
The concerns arose due to a late change of dates forced on the race organisers by the Thai cycling federation which put the MTCM into direct competition with the Hong Kong Cyclethon and brought it to within two weeks of the Tour de Kepri, a stage race in event in Indonesia heavily marketed towards the Singapore cycling community.
With the MTCM registration numbers from Hong Kong and Singapore considerably lower than in previous years, there were genuine fears among many of those still travelling to Thailand for the event that it would be a diluted experience.
But in a twist of fate, the forced date change may have turned out to be a blessing in disguise as a big cadre of Thai riders, many of who wouldn’t have been able to compete on the original October 20-23 dates, signed up and gave the race a distinct home flavour. Not that there is anything wrong with the tourist-focused model widely used in stage races throughout the region, but having a better balance between home riders and foreigners gave this year’s MTCM a different, improved vibe.
That the recently concluded 2018 Masters Tour of Chiang Mai (MTCM) solidified the four-day stage race’s reputation as one of the best cycling events in Southeast Asia shouldn’t be a surprise to previous participants, but its success wasn’t seen as a sure thing in the run-up to the October 13-16 event.
There were a few fears going into what was the eighth edition of the MTCM that it might struggle to maintain the momentum that it has steadily built each year since its inception in 2011 due to potentially lower participatory numbers. However, those worries proved to be unfounded as nearly 200 bike racers and the northern Thai capital put on another entertaining and memorable show.
The concerns arose due to a late change of dates forced on the race organisers by the Thai cycling federation which put the MTCM into direct competition with the Hong Kong Cyclethon and brought it to within two weeks of the Tour de Kepri, a stage race in event in Indonesia heavily marketed towards the Singapore cycling community.
With the MTCM registration numbers from Hong Kong and Singapore considerably lower than in previous years, there were genuine fears among many of those still travelling to Thailand for the event that it would be a diluted experience.
But in a twist of fate, the forced date change may have turned out to be a blessing in disguise as a big cadre of Thai riders, many of who wouldn’t have been able to compete on the original October 20-23 dates, signed up and gave the race a distinct home flavour. Not that there is anything wrong with the tourist-focused model widely used in stage races throughout the region, but having a better balance between home riders and foreigners gave this year’s MTCM a different, improved vibe.
The tour’s appeal is largely due to the city of Chiang Mai itself. The population of the whole metro area is nearly one million, and the inner city municipality alone is home to around 130,000 people, yet Chiang Mai still manages to maintain a small-town vibe. The race headquarters are based in the Nimman area of town, and it’s from this hip neighbourhood that the riders set out each morning to explore the surrounding countryside where the actual racing takes place. While the conurbation of Chiang Mai sits on a plain, it’s surrounded by densely wooded hills and mountains, and it’s on the climbs and in the valleys where the titles are decided. Early starts mean the racing is done by late morning, which sees the racers back in town with plenty of time to eat, visit one of the multitude of coffee joints, have a massage, explore or just chill.
The Course
The first three stages take the riders east, north and south of the city, but it’s Stage 4 that, in our eyes at least, is the centrepiece of the whole tour as it sends the riders on a spectacular 10.6km time trial up Doi Suthep, the revered mountain which stands guardian over Chiang Mai. At an average gradient of 6 percent, it’s not the steepest of climbs, but it’s that relatively “easy” grade that perhaps makes it such a tough challenge as the riders still in contention for the titles at that late stage of the race really have to go at full gas all the way to the top.
After rolling off the start ramp at the entrance to Chiang Mai Zoo, the route snakes its way up the mountain on a fairly wide, well-surfaced road. Banks of trees line the route with occasional gaps in the foliage providing spectacular views over the city below. The race ends on the course’s steepest gradient right outside the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep temple, with throngs of buddhist devotees and tourists on hand to watch the strange cyclists almost fall off their bikes upon crossing the finish line.
The first three stages take the riders east, north and south of the city, but it’s Stage 4 that, in our eyes at least, is the centrepiece of the whole tour as it sends the riders on a spectacular 10.6km time trial up Doi Suthep, the revered mountain which stands guardian over Chiang Mai. At an average gradient of 6 percent, it’s not the steepest of climbs, but it’s that relatively “easy” grade that perhaps makes it such a tough challenge as the riders still in contention for the titles at that late stage of the race really have to go at full gas all the way to the top.
After rolling off the start ramp at the entrance to Chiang Mai Zoo, the route snakes its way up the mountain on a fairly wide, well-surfaced road. Banks of trees line the route with occasional gaps in the foliage providing spectacular views over the city below. The race ends on the course’s steepest gradient right outside the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep temple, with throngs of buddhist devotees and tourists on hand to watch the strange cyclists almost fall off their bikes upon crossing the finish line.
The race had a new Stage 1 this year, as the traditional route, one that usually favoured the sprinters, had to be shelved due to road works. The replacement, named the Mae On Loop stage, certainly didn’t suit the sprinters as just before the halfway mark was a nasty 1.3km climb at over 10 percent average gradient, with some ramps a good bit steeper than that. The stage was only 67km in length, but with a 25km neutralised roll-out to the start line and a 40km post-race saunter back into town, it was the longest day of the tour. It also featured an Intermediate Sprint point at the 24km marker, offering 3, 2 and 1 points towards a green jersey completion, as well as bonus seconds.
Stage 2 returned to the Rajabhat University some 30km north of the city for a circuit race around a 4.8km course. The loop features no real hills, but a couple of little kickers situated at the KOM point and the start/finish line, and a long sweeping descent, make it a true test of power and skill. While the open-road Stages 1 & 3 see the racing categories combined into three or four pelotons, each group gets to race on their own on the Stage 2 circuit, meaning there is no place to hide. Depending on their category, the racers faced six, eight or 10 laps.
Bringing the circuit race back to the MTCM in 2017 after a few year’s absence was a masterstroke by the men behind the race, Wisut Kasiyaphat and Fidel Kreuzer, as not only does the stage provide a different challenge, it also provides a built-in crowd for the whole morning of action as the riders spectate before or after their own contests.
Stage 3 featured the traditional mountain-top finish on the Sameong Loop. The riders were split into three groups for this stage, with Open A, Open B and 30s starting 10 minutes ahead of the 40s and 50s, with the 60s and Women rolling off a few minutes later. For all the racers the stage opens with an out-and-back, fast-and-furious blast along a highway before a left turn at the 60km mark takes them onto a quiet country road that leads to the 9km Sameong Climb. It isn't one straight slope, rather it rises in a series of steps until the last 3km, which average 10 percent.
For the 40s, 50, 60s and Women riders, the race ended at the “summit”, but for the Open riders and the unlucky 30s men, they were sent down the other side through a series of steep switchbacks for 6km, before turning round and climbing back up again. Like in the circuit race, the reward for those poor souls was a crowd of riders from the “easy” cats lining the road to the finish line.
Stage 2 returned to the Rajabhat University some 30km north of the city for a circuit race around a 4.8km course. The loop features no real hills, but a couple of little kickers situated at the KOM point and the start/finish line, and a long sweeping descent, make it a true test of power and skill. While the open-road Stages 1 & 3 see the racing categories combined into three or four pelotons, each group gets to race on their own on the Stage 2 circuit, meaning there is no place to hide. Depending on their category, the racers faced six, eight or 10 laps.
Bringing the circuit race back to the MTCM in 2017 after a few year’s absence was a masterstroke by the men behind the race, Wisut Kasiyaphat and Fidel Kreuzer, as not only does the stage provide a different challenge, it also provides a built-in crowd for the whole morning of action as the riders spectate before or after their own contests.
Stage 3 featured the traditional mountain-top finish on the Sameong Loop. The riders were split into three groups for this stage, with Open A, Open B and 30s starting 10 minutes ahead of the 40s and 50s, with the 60s and Women rolling off a few minutes later. For all the racers the stage opens with an out-and-back, fast-and-furious blast along a highway before a left turn at the 60km mark takes them onto a quiet country road that leads to the 9km Sameong Climb. It isn't one straight slope, rather it rises in a series of steps until the last 3km, which average 10 percent.
For the 40s, 50, 60s and Women riders, the race ended at the “summit”, but for the Open riders and the unlucky 30s men, they were sent down the other side through a series of steep switchbacks for 6km, before turning round and climbing back up again. Like in the circuit race, the reward for those poor souls was a crowd of riders from the “easy” cats lining the road to the finish line.
Masters Racing
The “masters” in the the MTCM’s name stems from the old European concept of “masters racing”, which meant for riders aged over 35. But as road racing exploded in popularity among amateur cyclists over the past 15 years, the single “35+” model became outdated and now most races offer many more age groups. Indeed, the global governors of the sport at the UCI have brought in five-year age bands (starting at 35+) for the amateur world championship.
For the Masters Tour of Chiang Mai, the male categories were the elite Open A, Open B (for juniors and under 30s who want to compete but not at the elite level), 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60+. For the ladies, only an Open and the traditional 35+ masters categories were offered, but if the growth in female registrations continues (there was an impressive 35 this year), then more age groups will no doubt follow.
While the elite riders in the Men’s Open A as usual put on a scintillating show in this year’s MTCM with the veteran Peter Pouly (Roojai.com) going toe-to-toe with the big guns of Thai cycling, as well as a young Aussie named Jay Dutton (True Yupster Cycling), for the following “results” part of this article, we’re going to concentrate on the masters categories for a change, as without the older riders, races like the MTCM don’t exist.
The “masters” in the the MTCM’s name stems from the old European concept of “masters racing”, which meant for riders aged over 35. But as road racing exploded in popularity among amateur cyclists over the past 15 years, the single “35+” model became outdated and now most races offer many more age groups. Indeed, the global governors of the sport at the UCI have brought in five-year age bands (starting at 35+) for the amateur world championship.
For the Masters Tour of Chiang Mai, the male categories were the elite Open A, Open B (for juniors and under 30s who want to compete but not at the elite level), 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60+. For the ladies, only an Open and the traditional 35+ masters categories were offered, but if the growth in female registrations continues (there was an impressive 35 this year), then more age groups will no doubt follow.
While the elite riders in the Men’s Open A as usual put on a scintillating show in this year’s MTCM with the veteran Peter Pouly (Roojai.com) going toe-to-toe with the big guns of Thai cycling, as well as a young Aussie named Jay Dutton (True Yupster Cycling), for the following “results” part of this article, we’re going to concentrate on the masters categories for a change, as without the older riders, races like the MTCM don’t exist.
Stage 1: Race Report
The 40s and 50s raced together and when the climb came at the 27km mark it split the combined pack to bits. Two groups of four made it over the top within a few seconds of each other and when they came together it was odds-on that this pack of eight containing, six 40s riders and two 50s men, would stay away. But a bit of indecision by the four riders from MatadorRacing in the group saw the pace slow down and eventually another group of three riders, crucially containing two sprinters, made contact.
Part of the charm of racing in Thailand is the laid-back nature of life … which can occasionally adversely effect the racing! The 40s/50s breakaway was tearing along when, with some 25km to go, the riders were called back by the race marshal, having seemingly missed a turn. For regulars to stage racing in Thailand this sort of occurrence is not exactly unexpected, nor was it a complete surprise when half an hour later the race organiser came alongside on his motorbike and smilingly informed the “leaders” that they were way off course … but not to worry, the win and placings would come from the group of 11. The police outriders, who usually do a great job, had somehow taken the racers from the correct course.
The result was the 11 riders came in some 10 minutes behind the peloton. Rick Dumpleton (Specialized Roval Mavericks), one of the those last three men to join the lead group, claimed the bunch sprint to take the win in the 40s race, from the MatadorRacing duo of Michael Kleinwort and Michael Naert. Another worthy feature of many Southeast Asian bike races is that the podiums go down to fifth place. Taking advantage of this on Stage 1 were Adrian Pringle (Roojai.com) and Daniel Amby (Thanyapura).
In the 50s, Andy Brierley outsprinted Alan Grant (Specialized Roval Mavericks), his only division rival in the breakaway group. “Back” in the bunch, Alan Benson (Specialized Roval Mavericks) won the gallop to take third place in the 50s, from Paul Cook (GOTP) and Parinya Pinyasart (Thai Airways).
The 40s and 50s raced together and when the climb came at the 27km mark it split the combined pack to bits. Two groups of four made it over the top within a few seconds of each other and when they came together it was odds-on that this pack of eight containing, six 40s riders and two 50s men, would stay away. But a bit of indecision by the four riders from MatadorRacing in the group saw the pace slow down and eventually another group of three riders, crucially containing two sprinters, made contact.
Part of the charm of racing in Thailand is the laid-back nature of life … which can occasionally adversely effect the racing! The 40s/50s breakaway was tearing along when, with some 25km to go, the riders were called back by the race marshal, having seemingly missed a turn. For regulars to stage racing in Thailand this sort of occurrence is not exactly unexpected, nor was it a complete surprise when half an hour later the race organiser came alongside on his motorbike and smilingly informed the “leaders” that they were way off course … but not to worry, the win and placings would come from the group of 11. The police outriders, who usually do a great job, had somehow taken the racers from the correct course.
The result was the 11 riders came in some 10 minutes behind the peloton. Rick Dumpleton (Specialized Roval Mavericks), one of the those last three men to join the lead group, claimed the bunch sprint to take the win in the 40s race, from the MatadorRacing duo of Michael Kleinwort and Michael Naert. Another worthy feature of many Southeast Asian bike races is that the podiums go down to fifth place. Taking advantage of this on Stage 1 were Adrian Pringle (Roojai.com) and Daniel Amby (Thanyapura).
In the 50s, Andy Brierley outsprinted Alan Grant (Specialized Roval Mavericks), his only division rival in the breakaway group. “Back” in the bunch, Alan Benson (Specialized Roval Mavericks) won the gallop to take third place in the 50s, from Paul Cook (GOTP) and Parinya Pinyasart (Thai Airways).
The 60+ men and the combined Women’s field raced together. The climb proved decisive in this bunch too, with three of the men, Steve Stanley, Bill Oliver (Cheltnam Cycling Club) and Kent Jorgensen, joined by a single woman, Tori Barry (Nich 100 Plus) … in her first ever bike race! This group worked together over the climb and duly stayed comfortably away. Stanley took the win in the 60s from Oliver and Jorgensen, while Joseph Williams (Onimpex/Bio Racer RT) and David Levofvsky rounded out the podium.
The runner-up in the Women’s Open was Chanpeng Nontasin (C Girls), with Chelsie Tan (BikeLabz Racing), Kulacha Chairin (BG Cycling) and Wilaiwan Kulapha (C Girls) following in third, fourth and fifth. The Women’s 35+ Stage 1 crown went to Nur Arfanah (Indonesia). Tanaporn Jiayakea (Pumbike) was the runner-up, while Jayatri Corry (Indonesia) was third, closely followed by Jenelle Lee (Integrated Riding). A bit further back came Holly Richter (Velo Vietnam) in fifth place.
The 30s division was the biggest with some 50 men on the start list, all but 10 of whom were Thai riders. While the climb wasn’t as decisive as in some of the other categories, there were still less than 20 riders left when the lead group approached the finish line for the bunch sprint. Pichet Peungrang (Nice 100 Plus) proved the strongest, edging Kridakorn Rungcharnunthanakul (Siam Bike Zephyr) for the win, with Narid Khotcharan (Design Team) in third. Narapong Wongwiset (CPS Alpha) followed in fourth, with Wittaya Weeramuangmool (Singha Soitan Hansaa) in fifth.
The runner-up in the Women’s Open was Chanpeng Nontasin (C Girls), with Chelsie Tan (BikeLabz Racing), Kulacha Chairin (BG Cycling) and Wilaiwan Kulapha (C Girls) following in third, fourth and fifth. The Women’s 35+ Stage 1 crown went to Nur Arfanah (Indonesia). Tanaporn Jiayakea (Pumbike) was the runner-up, while Jayatri Corry (Indonesia) was third, closely followed by Jenelle Lee (Integrated Riding). A bit further back came Holly Richter (Velo Vietnam) in fifth place.
The 30s division was the biggest with some 50 men on the start list, all but 10 of whom were Thai riders. While the climb wasn’t as decisive as in some of the other categories, there were still less than 20 riders left when the lead group approached the finish line for the bunch sprint. Pichet Peungrang (Nice 100 Plus) proved the strongest, edging Kridakorn Rungcharnunthanakul (Siam Bike Zephyr) for the win, with Narid Khotcharan (Design Team) in third. Narapong Wongwiset (CPS Alpha) followed in fourth, with Wittaya Weeramuangmool (Singha Soitan Hansaa) in fifth.
The Men’s Open A race was won by Sarawut Sirironachai (Triple-S Factory), the Thai rider prevailing in a three-man sprint from Dutton and Tanaphon Seanaumnuayphon (Roojai.com). Rounding out the podium were Robin Blatt (Vitamilk) and Nimuhammad Lohmoh (Nich 100 Plus).
The Open B Stage 1 champ was Kumut Limwattachai (Roojai.com) from Hayden Campbell (K Cycling Team), Chaleampon Klaharn (Single Siotan Hansaa), Sanyalak Phuuhawat (Roojai.com) and Suhaimeen Saya (Design Team).
Stage 2: Race Report
The 40s men faced eight laps of the circuit. It was a contest peppered with attacks, lulls, then more attacks, and this had a concertina effect that led to the lead group being whittled down to about a dozen riders by midway through the race. Further attacks followed, but none stuck until right at the end when a late surge up the slope to the finish line by Kleinwort saw him emerge as the champion. Stage 1 winner Dumpleton was the runner-up, which he earned thanks to a bike throw on the line that took him a tyre width clear of Amby in third. Fourth place went to Naert, with Pringle in fifth. Kleinwort took the yellow jersey from Dumpleton thanks to a better accumulation of bonus seconds.
In the 50s, Brierley broke away on the KOM prime on lap 4 and only Benson could go with him. The pair put 90 seconds into the chasing bunch by the end of the race and very nearly caught the 40s leaders, the younger age group having started three minutes ahead. Despite being forced to do all the work in the breakaway, Brierley still won the sprint from Benson. Behind, a four-man chase group contested for the minor placings, with Cook taking third ahead of Nick Pilgrim (Velo Vietnam) and Peter Williamson (Anza Cycling).
The Open B Stage 1 champ was Kumut Limwattachai (Roojai.com) from Hayden Campbell (K Cycling Team), Chaleampon Klaharn (Single Siotan Hansaa), Sanyalak Phuuhawat (Roojai.com) and Suhaimeen Saya (Design Team).
Stage 2: Race Report
The 40s men faced eight laps of the circuit. It was a contest peppered with attacks, lulls, then more attacks, and this had a concertina effect that led to the lead group being whittled down to about a dozen riders by midway through the race. Further attacks followed, but none stuck until right at the end when a late surge up the slope to the finish line by Kleinwort saw him emerge as the champion. Stage 1 winner Dumpleton was the runner-up, which he earned thanks to a bike throw on the line that took him a tyre width clear of Amby in third. Fourth place went to Naert, with Pringle in fifth. Kleinwort took the yellow jersey from Dumpleton thanks to a better accumulation of bonus seconds.
In the 50s, Brierley broke away on the KOM prime on lap 4 and only Benson could go with him. The pair put 90 seconds into the chasing bunch by the end of the race and very nearly caught the 40s leaders, the younger age group having started three minutes ahead. Despite being forced to do all the work in the breakaway, Brierley still won the sprint from Benson. Behind, a four-man chase group contested for the minor placings, with Cook taking third ahead of Nick Pilgrim (Velo Vietnam) and Peter Williamson (Anza Cycling).
The big 30s field stayed more or less intact for their eight laps of the circuit and so it came down to a bunch sprint. Taking the line honours in a blanket finish was Kridakorn Rungcharunthanakul (Siam Bike Zephyr) from Chatchai Tiratajaruphong (Nice 100 Plus), David Lloyd (Velo Vietnam), Pichet and Teh Chee Hong (Malaysia Future Cycling Team).
Williams won the sprint to take the 60s+ Stage 2 crown ahead of Oliver and Stanley, with Leskovsky and Jorgensen rounding out the podium.
Stage 1 winner Barry missed the 10-girl break in the six-lap Women’s Open race, which was won in a late surge out of the lead group by Tan. She prevailed in a two-up sprint over Chanpeng. Some 10 seconds behind in third place came Kulacha, just ahead of BG Cycling teammate Phanchanit Phongsathaporn in fourth and Lizzie Hodges (Fahrenheit Women’s Performance Team) in fifth. Arfanah took her second win in a row in the Women’s 35+ race from Lee, Richter, Tanaporn and Oraya Anannit (BG Cycling).
A three-man breakaway again settled the 10-lap Open A race, with Sarawut prevailing for the second day in row. The runner-up this time was Phuchong Saiudomsin (True Yupster Cycling), with Konstantin Fast (Roojai.com) in third. Jetsada Janluang (Siam Bike Zephyr) won the bunch sprint to take fourth place ahead of Amree Saya (Design Team).
The Open B winner was Hanafi Kueji (Roojai.com), with Suhaimeen in second, Thanachat Yatan (Roojai.com) in third, Phatthadon Nakmanee (Chiangmai Juniors) fourth and Saruwat Phromkumdang (Singha Soitan Sansaa) in fifth.
Williams won the sprint to take the 60s+ Stage 2 crown ahead of Oliver and Stanley, with Leskovsky and Jorgensen rounding out the podium.
Stage 1 winner Barry missed the 10-girl break in the six-lap Women’s Open race, which was won in a late surge out of the lead group by Tan. She prevailed in a two-up sprint over Chanpeng. Some 10 seconds behind in third place came Kulacha, just ahead of BG Cycling teammate Phanchanit Phongsathaporn in fourth and Lizzie Hodges (Fahrenheit Women’s Performance Team) in fifth. Arfanah took her second win in a row in the Women’s 35+ race from Lee, Richter, Tanaporn and Oraya Anannit (BG Cycling).
A three-man breakaway again settled the 10-lap Open A race, with Sarawut prevailing for the second day in row. The runner-up this time was Phuchong Saiudomsin (True Yupster Cycling), with Konstantin Fast (Roojai.com) in third. Jetsada Janluang (Siam Bike Zephyr) won the bunch sprint to take fourth place ahead of Amree Saya (Design Team).
The Open B winner was Hanafi Kueji (Roojai.com), with Suhaimeen in second, Thanachat Yatan (Roojai.com) in third, Phatthadon Nakmanee (Chiangmai Juniors) fourth and Saruwat Phromkumdang (Singha Soitan Sansaa) in fifth.
Stage 3: Race Report
In the 40s race, the stage was decided by a breakaway that went as soon as the riders realised the neutralised zone of “around” 8.5km had ended. Dumpleton initiated the attack and he was immediately marked by Naert for the Matadors and they were joined by Amby, Jens Ostergaard (Big Mountain Pak Chong) and Hubertus Schweins. Having srtength in numbers and multiple GC options, the Matadors could afford to keep the yellow jersey of Kleinwort protected in the bunch, but ominously missing the move was defending 40s champion Pringle. He didn’t even realise the move had gone until Dumpleton fell back from the break to the peloton and by then it was too late for the Roojai man.
On a stage rarely decided from an early breakaway, the opposite happened in 2018. The U-turn at the 35km mark provided the analysis that the leaders had four minutes on the bunch and this took the steam out of the chase and allowed the leaders to hit the bottom of the hill with an even bigger lead. The cohesion that had brought them to that point soon disintegrated, though, with Naert riding away from the rest. He took the stage by two minutes from Amby and duly inherited the yellow jersey. Schweins was third on the day, with Ostergaard fourth. Klienwort was comfortably the best climber from the chasing peloton to take fifth on the day.
In the 50s, the racers were content to take the free ride offered by the 40s bunch to the bottom of the hill. Brierley then showed his dominance once again by riding away from not only his 50s rivals but all the 40s riders too. Grant took a comfortable second in the 50s, as did Pilgrim for third, with Robert Herries and Cook taking fourth and fifth.
Jorgensen was the favourite in the 60s division on the first real climbing day and the Dane duly delivered with a 45-second gap on the runner-up Oliver. Williams wasn’t far behind in third, while Thomas Liljehammar (YudeeCycle 100 Plus) was fourth. Jorgensen moved into the race lead with his stage win.
In the 40s race, the stage was decided by a breakaway that went as soon as the riders realised the neutralised zone of “around” 8.5km had ended. Dumpleton initiated the attack and he was immediately marked by Naert for the Matadors and they were joined by Amby, Jens Ostergaard (Big Mountain Pak Chong) and Hubertus Schweins. Having srtength in numbers and multiple GC options, the Matadors could afford to keep the yellow jersey of Kleinwort protected in the bunch, but ominously missing the move was defending 40s champion Pringle. He didn’t even realise the move had gone until Dumpleton fell back from the break to the peloton and by then it was too late for the Roojai man.
On a stage rarely decided from an early breakaway, the opposite happened in 2018. The U-turn at the 35km mark provided the analysis that the leaders had four minutes on the bunch and this took the steam out of the chase and allowed the leaders to hit the bottom of the hill with an even bigger lead. The cohesion that had brought them to that point soon disintegrated, though, with Naert riding away from the rest. He took the stage by two minutes from Amby and duly inherited the yellow jersey. Schweins was third on the day, with Ostergaard fourth. Klienwort was comfortably the best climber from the chasing peloton to take fifth on the day.
In the 50s, the racers were content to take the free ride offered by the 40s bunch to the bottom of the hill. Brierley then showed his dominance once again by riding away from not only his 50s rivals but all the 40s riders too. Grant took a comfortable second in the 50s, as did Pilgrim for third, with Robert Herries and Cook taking fourth and fifth.
Jorgensen was the favourite in the 60s division on the first real climbing day and the Dane duly delivered with a 45-second gap on the runner-up Oliver. Williams wasn’t far behind in third, while Thomas Liljehammar (YudeeCycle 100 Plus) was fourth. Jorgensen moved into the race lead with his stage win.
The Women’s Open race had a clear winner as Kulacha rode away from the field to the chequered flag on the summit. She won by well over two minutes from Tan, who just pipped Chanpeng on the line. Barry came fourth some 30 seconds later to keep her yellow jersey, with Wilaiwan in fifth.
Lee was the Women’s 35+ champ and the Singaporean was actually the second women overall on the day, nearly a minute ahead of the Open runner-up Tan. Arfanah was second in the Women’s 35+, with Richter third, Tanaporn fourth and Oraya fifth. Lee claimed the overall race lead.
Wittaya won the gruelling 30s race in a two-up thriller from Narapong, with Chartpat Pholphak way back in third. Narid was fourth with Boonnum Taebounhuat in fifth. Wittaya also took the GC lead.
The Open A contest was claimed by the veteran Pouly, the Frenchman outlasting Tanakhan Chaiyasonbut (Triple-S Factory) on the climb. Dutton followed some 15 seconds later in third, with Ariya Phounsavath (True Yupster Cycling) a similar gap back in fourth. Phuchong rounded out the podium in fifth but nearly four minutes back. Dutton moved to the top of the GC table.
Noppachai Klahan (Team Thailand) was a clear winner of the Open B race, finishing over 90 seconds ahead of the runner-up Chaleampon to take the yellow jersey. Campbell followed in third, with Racha Wiriyapong (Triple S Chiang Mai) in fourth and Suhaimeen in fifth.
Lee was the Women’s 35+ champ and the Singaporean was actually the second women overall on the day, nearly a minute ahead of the Open runner-up Tan. Arfanah was second in the Women’s 35+, with Richter third, Tanaporn fourth and Oraya fifth. Lee claimed the overall race lead.
Wittaya won the gruelling 30s race in a two-up thriller from Narapong, with Chartpat Pholphak way back in third. Narid was fourth with Boonnum Taebounhuat in fifth. Wittaya also took the GC lead.
The Open A contest was claimed by the veteran Pouly, the Frenchman outlasting Tanakhan Chaiyasonbut (Triple-S Factory) on the climb. Dutton followed some 15 seconds later in third, with Ariya Phounsavath (True Yupster Cycling) a similar gap back in fourth. Phuchong rounded out the podium in fifth but nearly four minutes back. Dutton moved to the top of the GC table.
Noppachai Klahan (Team Thailand) was a clear winner of the Open B race, finishing over 90 seconds ahead of the runner-up Chaleampon to take the yellow jersey. Campbell followed in third, with Racha Wiriyapong (Triple S Chiang Mai) in fourth and Suhaimeen in fifth.
Stage 4: Race Report
Naert had a huge lead going into the Doi Suthep time trial, but despite being a climber of note, the Belgian has struggled on this course in the past, so the win wasn’t assured. And while his 2018 time of 34 minutes and 40 seconds still wasn’t fast enough to make the Stage 4 podium, it was more than enough to comfortably clinch the overall title. Klienwort was the fastest 40s man on the day, with a time of 31:46, which was some 30 seconds faster than the runner-up Ostergaard. Third was Pringle, with the MatadorRacing pair Edo Bawono and Dan Smith fourth and fifth.
The final 40s GC order was Naert, Ostergaard, Amby, Klienwort and Pringle, with the champion enjoying a two-minute winning margin.
Post-race, Naert basked in his glory surrounded by his teammates.
“I feel good. Happy. I had a good team so that’s what I owe the win to,” the Belgian said. “Winning yesterday from the break, that was my highlight of the week. That was good but also stressful as I didn’t know what was happening behind me, but I made enough time on them to consolidate today.”
Asked why he keeps coming back to the Masters Tour of Chiang Mai, Naert said simply “because I love Chiang Mai. I love this city, I love coming here, it’s so relaxed, I love Thailand, Thai food, Thai racing, there’s always a very good level of racing. I was expecting less people, but there ended up being more than usual, which was great.”
Naert had a huge lead going into the Doi Suthep time trial, but despite being a climber of note, the Belgian has struggled on this course in the past, so the win wasn’t assured. And while his 2018 time of 34 minutes and 40 seconds still wasn’t fast enough to make the Stage 4 podium, it was more than enough to comfortably clinch the overall title. Klienwort was the fastest 40s man on the day, with a time of 31:46, which was some 30 seconds faster than the runner-up Ostergaard. Third was Pringle, with the MatadorRacing pair Edo Bawono and Dan Smith fourth and fifth.
The final 40s GC order was Naert, Ostergaard, Amby, Klienwort and Pringle, with the champion enjoying a two-minute winning margin.
Post-race, Naert basked in his glory surrounded by his teammates.
“I feel good. Happy. I had a good team so that’s what I owe the win to,” the Belgian said. “Winning yesterday from the break, that was my highlight of the week. That was good but also stressful as I didn’t know what was happening behind me, but I made enough time on them to consolidate today.”
Asked why he keeps coming back to the Masters Tour of Chiang Mai, Naert said simply “because I love Chiang Mai. I love this city, I love coming here, it’s so relaxed, I love Thailand, Thai food, Thai racing, there’s always a very good level of racing. I was expecting less people, but there ended up being more than usual, which was great.”
The riders went off at 30-second intervals in the time trial, and in the 50s race, Brierley caught his 30-second man Grant at the 1km mark, and then proceeded to haul in the entire 50s field on his way to yet another domineering performance. He “blew up” at the top to finish in a time of 31:07, which beat all the 40s riders and was the 15th fastest overall out of all 179 starters on the day. Grant took his third second place of the race, while Herries went one place better than on Stage 3 for third, with Pilgrim in fourth and Santi Kavinkran (On-Off Cycling) in fifth.
Brierley of course won the overall title, with Grant in second, followed by Pilgrim, Benson and Cook.
For Brierley, like Naert, it’s the appeal of Chiang Mai that keeps him coming back, not just the race.
“The people, the food, the climate, the cycling is kind of secondary … mind, I do love the cycling,” he said. “It’s just such a great event. Everybody is just so friendly, helpful and generous. The race is well organised, manageable, sociable, good fun.”
Brierley first came to the event a few years back as part of a group of riders from Perth, Australia, but this year the Brit was on his own.
“I’ve tried everything, there are a lot of closed minds down there, but I keep trying and I’m hoping to bring more with me next year,” he said, before adding some news that will no doubt be gratefully received by his fellow 50s riders: “And I’m also going to downgrade to a younger category next year.”
Brierley of course won the overall title, with Grant in second, followed by Pilgrim, Benson and Cook.
For Brierley, like Naert, it’s the appeal of Chiang Mai that keeps him coming back, not just the race.
“The people, the food, the climate, the cycling is kind of secondary … mind, I do love the cycling,” he said. “It’s just such a great event. Everybody is just so friendly, helpful and generous. The race is well organised, manageable, sociable, good fun.”
Brierley first came to the event a few years back as part of a group of riders from Perth, Australia, but this year the Brit was on his own.
“I’ve tried everything, there are a lot of closed minds down there, but I keep trying and I’m hoping to bring more with me next year,” he said, before adding some news that will no doubt be gratefully received by his fellow 50s riders: “And I’m also going to downgrade to a younger category next year.”
In the 60s race, there was another familiar winner in the shape of Jorgensen. The tall Dane triumphed over Williams, Oliver and Liljehammer in that order, while on the final GC standings, Oliver swapped places with Williams to be runner-up.
In the 30s, race leader Wittaya tore up the mountain to record the fastest age-group time of the day, 30:31, to clinch the stage win and the GC title. Narid was the ITT runner-up, some 15 seconds back, followed a minute later by the closely bunched trio of Narapong, Chartpat and Lloyd.
The same five riders shared the podium for the final stage, with the order behind Wittaya being Narapong, Chartpat, Narid and Lloyd. Reflecting the home dominance of the 30s division, in a quirky turn of events, the “best Thai rider award” was given to the Englishman Lloyd.
The Women’s Open saw the tightest contest of the morning, with Chanpeng triumphing by just one second from Kulacha with a time of 38:08. Barry was some 90 seconds back in third, with Tan fourth and Phanchanit in fifth. While Stage 1 winner Barry lost time on each of the subsequent days, her big winning margin on the opener meant she won the GC crown comfortably, finishing 90 seconds ahead of Kulacha. Chanpeng was third, Tan fourth and Wilaiwan fifth.
Richter was the ITT queen in the Women’s 35+ race, and the American’s time of 39:14 was the third-fastest on the day among all the women riders. Race leader Lee edged Arfanah for second place, with Jayatri and Oraya rounding out the ITT podium. Lee’s performance was good enough to see her crowned the GC champion ahead of Arfanah, with Richter, Jayatri and Tanaporn following in third, fourth and fifth.
Lee also spoke to us post-race.
“This was my first Masters Tour of Chiang Mai. I think it’s a great race. I wasn’t expecting to win, but just a fantastic race, a fantastic course, and I really enjoyed every bit of it. I’d definitely recommend this race to people back home in Singapore,” she said.
What were her highlights of the four days?
In the 30s, race leader Wittaya tore up the mountain to record the fastest age-group time of the day, 30:31, to clinch the stage win and the GC title. Narid was the ITT runner-up, some 15 seconds back, followed a minute later by the closely bunched trio of Narapong, Chartpat and Lloyd.
The same five riders shared the podium for the final stage, with the order behind Wittaya being Narapong, Chartpat, Narid and Lloyd. Reflecting the home dominance of the 30s division, in a quirky turn of events, the “best Thai rider award” was given to the Englishman Lloyd.
The Women’s Open saw the tightest contest of the morning, with Chanpeng triumphing by just one second from Kulacha with a time of 38:08. Barry was some 90 seconds back in third, with Tan fourth and Phanchanit in fifth. While Stage 1 winner Barry lost time on each of the subsequent days, her big winning margin on the opener meant she won the GC crown comfortably, finishing 90 seconds ahead of Kulacha. Chanpeng was third, Tan fourth and Wilaiwan fifth.
Richter was the ITT queen in the Women’s 35+ race, and the American’s time of 39:14 was the third-fastest on the day among all the women riders. Race leader Lee edged Arfanah for second place, with Jayatri and Oraya rounding out the ITT podium. Lee’s performance was good enough to see her crowned the GC champion ahead of Arfanah, with Richter, Jayatri and Tanaporn following in third, fourth and fifth.
Lee also spoke to us post-race.
“This was my first Masters Tour of Chiang Mai. I think it’s a great race. I wasn’t expecting to win, but just a fantastic race, a fantastic course, and I really enjoyed every bit of it. I’d definitely recommend this race to people back home in Singapore,” she said.
What were her highlights of the four days?
“I was surprised that I did quite well on the circuit race, and on the third stage I won both the KOMs, in fact took the KOM’s three days in a row, and also the stage win on the third stage, so that was a big plus for me. My confidence just built as the race went on. The first stage I didn’t do so well, but then every stage got better and better,” the Singapore national team rider said.
“It was fun getting to ride with lots of women. In Singapore we don’t get that for sure, as the pelotons are usually very small as very few women participate in age group cycling.”
Dutton won the battle of the ages in the Open A time trial, the young Aussie beating Pouly by just four seconds with a scintillating time of 27:01. Tanakhan was 30 seconds back in third, with Ariya fourth and Sarawut fifth. Dutton’s win was made more worthy as his rivals Pouly, Tanakhan and Ariya seemed to ride up the latter parts of the mountain together. Dutton’s win also clinched for him the overall tour championship by some 45 seconds from Pouly. Thanakan was third, Ariya fourth and Sarawut fifth.
The Open B ITT winner was Chaleampon, the Thai beating runner-up Campbell by 30 seconds. Race leader Noppachai was third and this was enough to clinch the GC title. Fourth on the day was Kumut, with Thanachat rounding out the podium. Overall, Chaleampon was second, Campbell third, Suhaimeen fourth and Chalermchon Faipan (Chiangmai Juniors) fifth.
The final presentations took place as usual at a viewing point just a kilometre down from the finish line where the sun shone down on one big happy family of road racing enthusiasts. The Masters Tour of Chiang Mai will return in 2019, hopefully even bigger and better.
For full results of the 2018 MTCM visit this link.
Photos courtesy of Cheez Photo unless otherwise stated.
“It was fun getting to ride with lots of women. In Singapore we don’t get that for sure, as the pelotons are usually very small as very few women participate in age group cycling.”
Dutton won the battle of the ages in the Open A time trial, the young Aussie beating Pouly by just four seconds with a scintillating time of 27:01. Tanakhan was 30 seconds back in third, with Ariya fourth and Sarawut fifth. Dutton’s win was made more worthy as his rivals Pouly, Tanakhan and Ariya seemed to ride up the latter parts of the mountain together. Dutton’s win also clinched for him the overall tour championship by some 45 seconds from Pouly. Thanakan was third, Ariya fourth and Sarawut fifth.
The Open B ITT winner was Chaleampon, the Thai beating runner-up Campbell by 30 seconds. Race leader Noppachai was third and this was enough to clinch the GC title. Fourth on the day was Kumut, with Thanachat rounding out the podium. Overall, Chaleampon was second, Campbell third, Suhaimeen fourth and Chalermchon Faipan (Chiangmai Juniors) fifth.
The final presentations took place as usual at a viewing point just a kilometre down from the finish line where the sun shone down on one big happy family of road racing enthusiasts. The Masters Tour of Chiang Mai will return in 2019, hopefully even bigger and better.
For full results of the 2018 MTCM visit this link.
Photos courtesy of Cheez Photo unless otherwise stated.