2014 Tour of Utah Stage 1: Aussies in Action

By Michael W. Chifala August 4^th, 2014: This morning marked the kickoff of the 10^th edition of the annual Tour of Utah. Nicknamed ?America?s Toughest Stage Race,? this UCI-classified event, notorious for its heat and challenging high-altitude climbs, will test riders over seven rugged stages. Stage 1 was no exception, featuring a 182-kilometer course with over 2700 meters of elevation gain, beginning and ending in Cedar City, Utah. A breakaway comprised of Jonathan Clarke (UnitedHealthcare), Australia?s own Adam Phelan (Drapac), Stephen Leece (Jamis-Hagens Berman) and Thomas Soladay (Optum-Kelly Benefit Strategies) escaped from the peloton early in the day, at one point holding a lead as large as 3:50. However, the domineering Belkin team ultimately reined them in as the race entered the final several 4.5 km circuits in Cedar City. With 8 km to go, Australian rider Cameron Wurf (Cannondale) bridged to the breakaway and shot past on a solo bid for victory, however Belkin?s tight grip over the race prevented his escape. After nearly five hours of racing, Belkin?s leadout train delivered Moreno Hofland (Belkin) to a sprint victory to claim his first U.S win of his career. Other Australian riders to watch for include Calvin Watson (Trek Factory Racing), Jonathan Clarke (UnitedHealthcare), Matthew Lloyd (Jelly Belly), Benjamin Day (UnitedHealthCare), and Joseph Lewis (Hincapie Sportsware Development Team). The most notable Australian, BMC?s 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans, who is racing in his first event since June, finished as the highest placed Aussie in 13^th overall to help his team into the lead of the team classification. The Australian-based squad, Drapac Professional Cycling, finished comfortably in the field after placing Phelan in second position of the King of the Mountains competition with his participation in the ?break de jour? and will look to add to its r?sum? of stage wins that include victories at the Tour de Taiwan, Tour of Japan, and the New Zealand Cycle Classic in the days to come. Jersey?s After Stage 1: General Classification presented by Larry H Miller Dealerships: Moreno Hofland (Belkin Pro Cycling Team) Sprinter presented by Utah Sports Commission: Moreno Hofland (Belkin Pro Cycling Team) King of the Mountain presented by Utah Office of Tourism: Robin Carpenter (Hincapie Sportswear Development Team) Most Aggressive Rider presented by Vivint: Matej Mohoric? (Cannondale Pro Cycling) Best Young Rider presented by Subaru: Rick Zabel (BMC Racing Team) Fan Favorite presented by America First Credit Union: Tyler Wren (Jamis-Hagens Berman p/b Sutter Home) Best Team presented by Washakie Renewable Energy: BMC Racing Team For a full list of results, please follow this link: http://www.tourofutah.com/results/