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CIREBON - Irishman Paul Griffin took control of the Dji Sam Soe Tour d'Indonesia on Monday, winning a hard-fought first stage to Cirebon. Griffin, riding for the Giant Asia Racing Team, unleashed an unbeatable sprint in the final metres of the race to hold off his 19 break-away companions, taking the 134 km stage and the yellow jersey of race leader.
"It feels great" to have the yellow jersey, said Griffin who added that he relishes riding in hot conditions. "I'm okay in the heat, I prefer it to the cold of Ireland."
Eight-three riders took the start of the first stage of the Tour d'Indonesia. The riders began in cool conditions in Bandung but they descended into intense heat and humidity as they approached Cirebon on the north coast of Java. The early goings of the race were marked by numerous attacks, as riders tried to break free of the field. However, none of the breaks stuck until American Mike Carter (Greenfields Fresh Milk) launched the race's decisive move near the half-way point of the stage. Attacking at the bottom a descent, Carter broke clear, and was soon joined by two other riders. The breakaway group would stay clear to the end. The lead group grew to nine riders, then to 20 as the race approached Cirebon. In the finale, it was Griffin who prevailed, edging out Robin Reid of New Zealand in a tight bunch sprint.
Kaswanto, riding for the CCC Custom Cycling Team, took the red and white jersey for top Indonesian rider. Kaswanto made it into the days big breakaway, finishing in seventh place in Cirebon. Michael Carter took over the green jersey for the points competition after winning the days' second "hot spot" sprint. No points for the King of the Mountains competition were awarded Monday.
Carter, who doesn't normally consider himself a sprinter, said he was surprised to take the Green jersey. "I thought today I would take it easy," he said, " but sometimes an opportunity comes along, and you take it." The Dji Sam Soe Tour d'Indonesia heads into the mountains Tuesday with a difficult second stage from Cirebon to Purwokerto. The stage will feature a difficult first-category climb to Purbalingga. That will be followed by two more mountainous days on Wednesday and Thursday. "Who ever wins this race will have to be a good climber," said Carter, a veteran of the Tour de France.
The Dji Sam Soe Tour d'Indonesia is a 1,433 kilometre race, divided into nine separate stages. The race began in Bandung on 12 September and will end on 21 September on the island of Bali.
Altitude chart of the first stage
Route of the first stage
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