Repeating as champion was sweet. It’s just hard to top the first time, though.
Florenz Knauer utilized the same strategy that earned him first place a year ago, this time coming from well-back to claim his second straight New West Grand Prix crown on Tuesday.
The German native, who lives in Tsawwassen, edged out the Rally Cycling team of Eric Young and Bradley Huff of Colorado for the top step on the podium.
However, last year’s highlight – possibly of the whole B.C. Superweek festivities – was how Knauer used that moment to propose to his girlfriend. This year, the celebration was a little more low key, but still a happy one, thanks to a last-lap burst that carried him past 25 other riders to the finish line.
“I knew I could do it but it’s always a little bit tough if you’re in the right position and nobody closes you in,” said Knauer. “I had luck and good legs and everything worked out for me. I’m very glad about it.”
It was the third criterium of B.C. Superweek, which draws pro cyclists from around the globe thanks to some generous prize pools. Knauer’s first two races – the North Delta and Ladner portions of the Tour de Delta – saw him place second and third overall, behind Young and Huff.
A day after the New West race, Knauer again tasted the podium, placing second, again behind Young. So Tuesday’s win was something special, even if it didn’t have the romantic surprise.
“It was nice to repeat (as New West champion). … To be honest, I’ve had a lot of second and third places and I’m glad I have a win now again,” he said. “This is my sixth or seventh win. It’s always more special. In our sport we get measured by wins and not by second places, right?”
From the start, Knauer strategized how to best stay within striking distance without extending his energy. The course’s tough climb up Eighth Street, followed by a lower-yet-still-challenging grade along Carnarvon, weeded out a good number of racers during the 60-lap race.
With one lap to go, Halifax’s Edward Walsh held a six-second lead on a peloton of nearly 30 riders. However, Knauer saw that as the last and best chance to expend his remaining energy and drive to the front.
“That hill doesn’t get any easier,” said Knauer. “That’s a lot of energy you have to put in to stay away. When in the pack you roll easier down the hill so we usually catch up easier. It’s tough. I actually thought (Walsh) had a good chance, then I saw at the last lap ahead, he was tired, the last lap up. … I think I was (in) 25th position down here, but I was, like, I hope the gap opens and I can sprint out. I came with a lot of momentum from the back and I think that helped a lot. It was the same sprint as last year.”
It echoed Knauer’s victory last year and is a strategy that has produced results on the pro circuit for the Hermann Radteam racer.
