Team SpiceRoads again dominated the master’s category of the Tour of Friendship, a 5-stage road bike race held the first week of May in Thailand. However, there was a bit of an upset within the team, with Tinley Jane (TJ) walking away with the leader’s jersey on this year, taking it away from repeat-winner Tony Aspell who came in second.
As in year’s past the race started with a 7-km time trial where TJ first earned his lead. Both men did well, coming in under 11 minutes. Then it was on to Ayutthaya where Stage 2 was a flat and fast 100-km ride through the city with Tony taking the lead. Stage 3 took the riders across to Kabinburi with some unfortunate accidents for both TJ and Tony. However, they both brushed themselves off quickly and got back on their bikes to finish the 103-km stage with very close times.
Stage 4 was a tough uphill where TJ’s climbing skills reigned and he again won the stage. Tony eeked out one more win on the fast and flat stage 5, but it wasn’t enough to take the overall lead from TJ. .
Guide Aum raced in the very competitive Open category and finished a very respectable 20th overall!
SpiceRoads is very proud of these riders! Well done!
Well done to Tinsley and Tony. A fantastic result and great for the Spice Roads Team. Also well done Khun Aum still looking very fit in your Sean Kelly kit.