Hong Kong hope still confident after Russian rider Grishkin wins his third stage
The Tour of South China Sea may be turning into the Oleg Grishkin show, but Hong Kong star Wong Kam-po says the main act has yet to be played out.
Grishkin captured his third stage victory to easily retain the yellow jersey at the end of yesterday's fifth stage in Zhongshan, extending his lead to 13 seconds over Wong, who must now step up a gear if he wants to win his first Tour in three years.
The Russian track specialist again showed his prowess in a sprint finish to lead home the 170-strong field at the end of the 80km criterium at the Zhongshan Torch Development Zone.
Wong, who wore the yellow jersey for two days, came home 12th but insisted a fifth Tour of South China Sea could be won in the hills of Coloane in Macau tomorrow. 'I am waiting for the seventh stage in Coloane. That race would suit me better because there are a few tough climbs. The last two stages were held over very flat surfaces. I still have a chance of winning this,' said the 30-year-old.
Coach Shen Jinkang said Wong was not getting the support he needed from his Pocari Sweat Hong Kong teammates, although he expected brighter days in the remaining three stages. 'The Hong Kong riders are largely inexperienced and are no match as a team compared to the Russians or the Australians.
'Our riders are still not good enough, but I am sure they will try their best and make it a little easier for [Wong] Kam-po,' said Shen.
