Tour of Utah Recap
Yesterday ended the fifth and final stage of the Tour of Utah cycling race - well known as the most difficult stage race in America. For those unfamiliar with Tour of Utah, it covers 325 miles of varying terrain and altitude from Park City to Tooele over 6 days and 5 stages, with a $45,000 purse. More climbing is involved in this race than another other in the US. The 4th and “signature” stage begins in Park City with 3 laps around the historic Main Street area before heading towards Midway, Draper, and Sandy.
While Bernie Sulzberger (Fly V Australia) won the final stage on Sunday, Francisco Mancebo (Rock Racing) remained the overall leader to win the Tour of Utah. Mancebo finished 46 seconds ahead of Darren Lill (Team Type 1) and Lill finished 43 seconds ahead of the 3rd place finisher and defending champion, Jeff Louder (BMC Racing Team).
Other Tour of Utah jersey winners included:
- Best Young Rider & King of the Mountain (KOM) - Alex Howes (Garmin/Felt)
- Best sprinter - David Veilleux (Kelly Benefit Strategies)
- Best Utah Rider - Darren Lill (Team Type 1)
For more photos of the Tour of Utah & individual stage results, check out VeloNews and the official Tour of Utah site.
In association with the race, Delta 7 Sports donated an Ascend Road Bike to support teamgive.org. A raffle was held Sunday after the final stage.
Be sure to read about Dan Pope’s experience on the Delta 7 Ascend Bike during the Snowbird Hill Climb (see the Aug 22 11:00pm post):
“This was a good day for me. The Delta 7 Ascend racing bike was nimble and light. I was able to ride without stopping through Little Cottonwood Canyon, which was a personal victory for me. My heart rate hovered between 120 and 130, and I didn’t need to push it higher. I simply paced myself, pedaling slowly and steadily up to the base of Snowbird. My legs burned a little, but honestly it wasn’t too bad. At least today I haven’t felt it. I’m sure there will be some pain tomorrow.” Continue reading…
On a more serious note, Saturday’s 1,000 Warriors race, associated with the Tour of Utah, turned extremely dangerous when five cyclists were involved in a crash with an SUV on State Road 92 close to Timpanogos Caves. When the SUV suddenly stopped (possibly to avoid another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction), a cyclist from Mesa, AZ crashed into the back of the SUV, sending him through the SUV’s back windshield. One other cyclist collided with the back of the SUV and three others crashed in an attempt to avoid the vehicle. Luckily, two of the cyclists who crashed were EMTs and were able to administer care to the individual from Mesa, AZ who was in critical condition after the collision. He was flown to University Hospital and is currently recovering from multiple surgeries. All others involved in the crash have been treated and released. The event is a not so subtle reminder to “Share the Road” and maintain a high level of awareness whether you’re traveling on a bike or driving a vehicle. We are just thankful everyone involved will be alright!
Racing for Verducci Breakaway Racing, Theresa Cliff-Ryan proved her elite status against much of the cycling competition last Sunday at the 23rd Annual USA Cycling Elite Women National Criterium Championship in Downers Grove, Illinois.