© SWPix
The CAMS-Basso fighting spirit was in abundance today, as the team put in an incredible performance to help Becky Storrie to a top 10 on top of Black Mountain. Storrie now moves up to 15th on GC, amongst some of the biggest names in the Women’s World Tour, and is the highest placed British rider in the Tour.
Beth Morrow and Danni Shrosbree were critical in helping position Storrie ahead of the last climb of the day. It’s hard to believe both of them are riding in their first ever World Tour race. They ride with a confidence and maturity of riders with years more experience.
© SWPix
“These past two stages have been really tough,” said Morrow, “With all the constant attacking and chasing. Today’s hills were much steeper, which added another challenge, but I managed to stay in the bunch and try and help Becky’s positioning into the climb. I’m so proud of the whole team and how we’ve been riding.”
Storrie agreed, “The team did an amazing job today. Danni and Beth both made it a smooth transition for me to move up to the front of the peloton at the foot of Black Mountain. The climb itself was tough. As the bunch got smaller, I just kept thinking ‘don’t lose the wheels’. There was a headwind as we got towards the top and the slightest gap made it even harder!”
There was a very select group of World Tour riders in the top 10, and the stage was won by the Italian National Champion from Trek Segafredo, Elisa Longo Borghini.
© Bob MacGregor
Katie Scott has been acting as road captain for most of race. After suffering an early mechanical today, she showed her fighting spirit, working hard to keep herself in the race to help her teammates and also to make sure she’s there to ride her home stage tomorrow. She, along with all the whole team, have well and truly earned the respect of the peloton these last few days.
Stage 5 Results:
9th Becky Storrie
32nd Sammie Stuart
50th Beth Morrow
76th Danni Shrosbree
83rd Katie Scott