A badly-timed puncture saw Richard Handley (Rapha Condor JLT) lose the overall lead in the Tour of Korea on Tuesday, but team-mate Hugh Carthy saved the British team's disappointment by moving up to third in the general classification.
Carthy attacked in the finale of stage three of the UCI 2.1-ranked race, but was beaten to the line up Juan Oroz (Burgos-BH) and Cameron Bayly (OCBC Singapore). Oroz took the race lead, with Carthy putting himself in the white jersey of best young rider for his efforts.
Rapha Condor JLT team director Tom Southam remained upbeat about the squad's performance with five stages remaining.
"The boys rode to plan today, and when the selection was made on the climb we had the two guys we wanted there," said Southam. "Rich couldn't have punctured at a worse time. Firstly the race was on, and secondly there was no neutral support for his group, while our team car was being held behind the second group."
"Having said that, Hugh rode perfectly, and this race is always a really tough one to defend. Losing yellow today is a shame, but the race is far from lost."
The Tour of Korea concludes on Sunday, June 15.
Richard Handley wins stage and moves into lead in Tour of Korea
Rapha Condor JLT's Richard Handley wins stage two of Tour of Korea from escape group
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