For The Second Day, RadioShack’s Development Team is in Yellow at the Tour of Utah
In a pre-race interview, Trek-LiveStrong rider and the leader of the Tour of Utah, Taylor Phinney stated that yesterday was a very difficult prologue but that it obviously turned out fruitful for him with the win. As for the two climbs on Stage 1, he stated that his aim was to go over with the front group and try to keep yellow for another day or to at least get the jersey onto the shoulders of one of his Trek-LiveStrong teammates.
Despite these strong words, it would take a lot from Phinney, who excels in the time trial, to maintain the lead over two tough climbs. Stage one began in Ogden and ended in Salt Lake City. This 85-mile ride featured four climbs, two with king of the mountains points and two sprint sections. The first major climb had an elevation of 6,800 feet and the other, larger climb had an elevation of slightly over 7,300 feet. The day featured a total of 6,400 feet in climbing and a flat finish.
The day began with a seven mile neutral section and attacks began almost immediately afterwards. Without any major breakaway occurring over the first sprint, points went to Phinney, Anibal Borrajo (Jamis/Sutter Home) and Danny Summerhill (Holowesko Partners/Garmin). A few breakaways attempted to get some distance on the peloton but all were quickly reabsorbed after only a few minutes.
The first major breakaway included Trek-LiveStrong riders Joe Dombrowsi and Julian Kyer, Morgan Schmitt (United Healthcare) and Robbie Squire (Holowesko Partners/Garmin). John Bennett (California Giant) managed to bridge the gap and join this group of riders. The group built up a lead of 30 seconds and took the first King of the Mountain points. Points went to Kyer, Schmitt, Alex Dowsett (Trek-LiveStrong), Alex Hagman (On The Rivet), Francisco Mancebo (Canyon Bicycles) and Cesar Grajales (On The Rivet). On the descent down the hill, the entire peloton regrouped and this breakaway group was swallowed up.
Shortly thereafter, sixteen riders made a break prior to the second climb and unfortunately Phinney was unable to make the jump. The group managed to get over two minutes on the rest of the pack. When this group went through the second sprint points for the day, there was no competition for the points.
With 26 miles to go, much of this large group was absorbed by the peloton. Three riders David Tanner (Fly V-Austrailia), Davide Frattini (Team Type 1), Benjamin Jacques-Maynes (Bissell Pro Cycling) managed to stay out in the front. The group built up a lead of 1:40 and as they began to climb up Big Mountain, Alex Dowsett attacked and managed to jump from the peloton into the breakaway group. A total of six riders joined this group including Ben King (Trek-LiveStrong) and Phillip Gaimon (Kenda).
The skies were ominous throughout the day but towards the end of the stage, the sky turned a threatening black and thunderstorms made their way through the East Canyon area. Sprinkles were felt while riders went over the final climb. Dowsett, Tanner and Gaimon set the pace over this final climb and on the descent many of the other breakaway riders were dropped. In the end, Dowsett and Tanner were never caught and the sprint finish was contested between these two riders. Tanner was able to beat out Dowsett and took the win.
Apparently when Phinney told Dowsett prior to the stage that if he was dropped, the request for Dowsett to attack to save the jersey was well understood. For the second day in a row, Alex Dowsett took a second place finish, yet this time he moves himself into the leader’s jersey.
Top 5 Results Stage 1 Tour of Utah
1. David Tanner Fly V Austraila 3:22:15
2. Alex Dowsett Trek/LiveStrong 3:22:17
3. Javier Megias Leal Team Type 1 3:22:41
4. Caleb Fairly Team Holowesko Partners 3:22:41
5. K. Frank Pipp ISSELL Pro Cycling 3:22:41
By Fitzalan Gorman, staff writer
Photo by Everardo Keeme Photography
