Tour de Korea
2013 Tour de Korea preview
Coming back higher and harder than in 2012, the 12th Tour de Korea (09-16 June) ditches a full north-to-south traverse in favour of elevation and compactness. With fourteen categorised climbs, including two C1′s, and a 25.5km team time trial, only a genuine all-rounder should emerge victorious.
2012 Tour de Korea | Stage 8: Yeoju – Hanam
After eight days and 880 kilometres of racing, the 2012 Tour de Korea peloton returned to the outskirts of South Korea’s capital, Seoul, for its farewell stage. Though much had unfolded over the week prior, yellow jersey Sung Baek Park’s lead over his two closest rivals was so tenuous that today’s stage was far from … Continue reading
2012 Tour de Korea | Stage 7: Yeongju – Chungju
When general classification leader Sung Baek Park came forward to pull on a fresh yellow jersey at the end of today’s seventh Tour de Korea stage, it was the first time all day the KSPO rider had been visible for any significant period of time. One team manager called it “the most disgraceful example of … Continue reading
2012 Tour de Korea | Stage 6: Gumi – Yeongsu
2007 Tour de Korea champion and multiple stage winner Sung Baek Park (KSPO) returned to his former glory in style today; taking a decisive stage victory in Yeongju and slipping into the yellow jersey by a lean three seconds over Optum’s Alexander Candelario. Chan Jae Jang, keeper of the leader’s jersey since stage three, now … Continue reading
2012 Tour de Korea | Stage 5: Geochang – Gumi
On paper, the Tour de Korea progressed today. After yesterday’s fourth stage was cancelled, every stakeholder – the riders, officials, organizers, sponsors, media and fans – in this year’s Tour de Korea hoped for a great race. The convoy rolled out amidst the promised fine weather and the stage finished status quo ante amongst the … Continue reading
2012 Tour de Korea | Stage 4: Yeosu – Geochang (cancelled)
With a ’100% possibility of rain’ forecast on local media channels last night, there was never any doubt about the wet conditions riders would face today. Still, the downpour at the start area only revealed its impact on the roads once the race was active. Less than three kilometres outside of the neutral zone, officials … Continue reading
2012 Tour de Korea | Stage 3: Gwangju – Yeosu
A cruel finale blunted the lingering suspense of a stage-long escapade by two riders in today’s third Tour de Korea stage. Not only were 2011 Tour de Korea points jersey winner, Paul Odlin (Subway Cycling Team), and 2009 British Road Cycling Champion, Kristian House (Rapha Condor-Sharp), unable to hold off their pursuants until the finish, … Continue reading
2012 Tour de Korea | Stage 2: Buyeo – Gwangju
Tour de Korea’s longest stage, from Buyeo to Gwangju, may have started under smoke-grey skies, but it ended with two shades of yellow when Alexander Candelario (Team Optum presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies) wrestled the leader’s jersey from Mauro Richeze (Team Nippo) in a bunch sprint, moments before the day’s first bright sunshine appeared.
2012 Tour de Korea | Stage 1: Incheon – Seoul
Huddled at the start line of today’s first Tour de Korea stage, 121 riders shivered as frigid winds forced whispy rain onto their exposed limbs whilst the countdown to 10:40am ticked slowly by.
2012 Tour de Korea preview
It has been such an exciting month for pro cycling enthusiasts in Asia. The 2012 Tour de Korea is the third of four UCI2.2 stage races so far in April and, if initial presentation and prize money is an indicator, it may later prove to be the leader in terms of quality.
