Bob Donaldson sprinted to a close second place at the Philadelphia Classic, only beaten by a slim margin to the top spot.
Donaldson was one of three riders that jumped clear of a group of attackers with just five kilometres remaining. The gap was never substantial, but it proved to be enough to see the trio contest the win with the Team Jayco AlUla rider taking a hard-earned second.
The Philadelphia Classic returned to the cycling calendar for the first time in a decade with a hilly circuit that lent itself to aggressive tactics. The race never settled into a steady rhythm, with attacks constantly flying off the front of the peloton.
A breakaway group did eventually form around 30 kilometres into the day, but they would be absorbed by a counter-attack from the peloton with more than 80km remaining. Donaldson was among the group that had bridged to the front, along with teammate Kell O’Brien for support.
Donaldson then surged ahead with three other riders, eventually joined by four more to make a group of eight. As a small chase group caught them inside the final 5km – following a more than 50km chase – attacked off the front again, and taking two riders with him. They stayed away all the way to the line with it coming down to a close sprint between Donaldson and Tim Torn Teutenberg.
Bob Donaldson
“The race was a hard and aggressive one without many teams to control it. We had a good team here for that situation and the boys did a good job covering all the moves that we needed to. A selection was made halfway through the race. Me and Kell were there and then Kell did a really good job of covering everything he needed to. Then, I made a move and followed a strong group and we made another selection on the climb.
The final was difficult. I was a bit outnumbered, and a bunch of riders could sit on, wait for teammates, and save their legs. I knew I had to go early and there were some strong riders that were attacking. I just went all-in with about 4km to go. Second place is ok and I can be happy with that with the situation I was in. I couldn’t have done much more than what I tried and I just have to thank the boys for everything they did and for a great trip to Philadelphia.”
Philadelphia Classic results
1. Tim Torn Teutenberg 4:20:55
2. Bob Donaldson (Team Jayco AlUla) st
3. Jonas Rutsch st
Photo: Sprint Cycling
