Wanganui 16-year-old Vladimir Stewart was on the brink of winning the Tour of Taranaki when, he says, his New Zealand under-17 teammates failed to stick to their race plan and scuppered his chances.
After breaking away from the main group on the first stage, the Russian-born cyclist had enjoyed a prolonged solo ride in the yellow jersey, which he held until the final stage. But despite the team's plan before the race to shelter Stewart, he was instead chased down by his own teammates and swallowed by the peloton on the last stage.
"I wasn't happy at all, I was being chased down by my own team. There was a plan to keep me sheltered but they didn't do that," he said.
Stewart was not sure of his overall finish but said it was in the top 10. Stewart also rode in the Tour of Canberra but, due to a cold, wasn't able to perform at 100 per cent.
He would have likely finished in the top three for the time trial but only managed 15th, he said.
Vladimir's father, Alan Stewart, said his son had done well to put a gap on the main group in the Canberra tour despite restrictions on the bikes.
"The Australian restriction is a little bit lower than in New Zealand."
The restriction meant all riders were on par and it was a lot harder to perform a big break away from the main group, something his son had achieved in the race, he said.
Like the Tour of Taranaki, he was again caught by the main group.
Vladimir enjoyed a week off after the Canberra tour to recoup and relax before preparation for the Tour of Manawatu, which is held in October.
In a course known for its hills, Stewart was quietly confident of his chances.
"I'm going to be looking for a win in the Manawatu tour.
"I definitely prefer the hills, I don't like races that are flat because the big fat sprinters can just sprint past the good riders."
Race doesn't go to plan
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