USA Pro Challenge 2013 - Results Stage 4

Steamboat Springs to Beaver Creek Colorado - Race Results

This was the day that I knew minutes would separate the top twenty in the general classification at the end of Stage 4.  When I studied the route closely and then went out and rode the climb to Beaver Creek and up Bachelor Gulch last Saturday, it was clear that today's stage was no longer a stage for an all-rounder (as it had been in 2012 when Jens Voigt took the stage win). The addition of the climb up Bachelor Gulch would shatter the group and leave gaps. I predicted it weeks ago when I wrote the guide to the day's stage and felt more certain in the last couple of days.

Tomorrow we will see another reshuffling of the top ten on GC as the time trial specialists make their mark in the individual time trial up Vail Pass. Some of the true climbers will be weeded out. Tejay van Garderen should remain on top, with Tom Danielson moving up to podium position. There are no points or KOM points awarded on an ITT day, so Matt Cooke and Peter Sagan are safe in their jerseys.

Quotes from the day:

“That thing (Bachelor Gultch) is incredible,” said Matt Cooke. “I’m just impressed that anyone can ride up that pretty fast. It was steep and one heck of a course.”

“The biggest challenge was the bottom of Bachelor Gulch. It was an insanely hard tempo,” said van Garderen.

As I rode the climb myself, I had a clear knowledge, this is where separation anxiety will kick in. And sure enough - it was the exact place Tejay was describing. It is so great to get out and ride these routes before the pros come through because you can really understand the road, the tactics, and what the riders go through on race day. Sure they may do it faster, but we can do it too - any day of the year!

Driving over Vail Pass in route to Stage 4 in Beaver Creek, Colorado this morning.  Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

USA Pro Challenge Finish are in Beaver Creek. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

My view of the pristine golf course in Beaver Creek as I walked down the race route today. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Today's results from the tour in Colorado.

Stage 4 Results:
1. Janier Alexis Acevedo (COL) of Jamis-Hagens Berman p/b Sutter Home
2. Tejay van Garderen (USA) of BMC Racing Team
3. Mathias Frank (SUI) of BMC Racing Team

GC Standings:

General Classification after Stage 4
USA  1  VAN GARDEREN, Tejay (BMC RACING)      15:44:59
SUI  2  FRANK, Mathias (BMC RACING)           + 4
COL  3  ACEVEDO COLLE, Javier Alexis (JAMIS0  + 30
USA  4  DANIELSON, Thomas (GARMIN SHARP)      + 40
AUS  5  MORTON, Lachlan David (GARMIN SHARP)  + 1:17
CRC  6  OBANDO BRENES, Gregory (CHAMPION SYSTEM) + 1:37
COL  7  ATAPUMA HURTADO, Darwin (COLOMBIA)       + 1:52
ITA  8  CARUSO, Damiano (CANNONDALE)             + 1:58
AUS  9  SUTHERLAND, Rory (SAXO-TINKOFF)          + 1:58              
USA  10 EUSER, Lucas (UNITEDHEALTHCARE)          + 1:58              
SUI  11 SCHÄR, Michael (BMC RACING)              + 2:03
IRL  12 DEIGNAN, Philip (UNITEDHEALTHCARE)       + 2:03              
NZL  13 BENNETT, George (RADIOSHACK LEOPARD)     + 2:03               
USA  14 JONES, Carter (BISSELL CYCLING)          + 2:07

USA  15 CRADDOCK, Lawson (BONTRAGER CYCLING)     + 2:14
USA  16 WILSON, Nathan (BONTRAGER CYCLING)       + 2:35
ESP  17 MEGIAS LEAL, Javier (NOVO NORDISK)       + 3:54
NZL  18 ORAM, James (BONTRAGER CYCLING)          + 4:03
USA  19 BUTLER, Chris (CHAMPION SYSTEM)          + 4:05
POR  20 PIRES, Bruno (SAXO-TINKOFF)              + 4:11

Classification Jerseys after Stage 4:
Yellow (overall) - Tejay van Garderen (USA) of BMC Racing Team
Green (sprint) - Peter Sagan (SVK) of Cannondale Pro Cycling
Red (climber) - Matt Cooke (USA) of Jamis-Hagens Berman p/b Sutter Home
Blue (young) - Lachlan David Morton (AUS) of Team Garmin-Sharp
Orange (aggressive) - Michael Rogers (AUS) of Team Saxo-Tinkoff

Video: Chris Froome Humbled by Colorado Altitude (01:17 English) Bicycling
Video: Tejay van Garderen Post-Stage 4 (01:21 English) Bicycling
 
Photos from the Day:

click any image to enlarge

Lachlan Morton tried, but failed to hold onto his yellow jersey today. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

When Tejay bumped Lachlan Morton out of the yellow jersey, Lachlan took over the blue jersey which had been on loan to Lawson Craddock (Bontrager). Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Jens Voigt (Orange Jersey, right side) and Peter Sagan (green jersey, left side) approach the turn for the ascent up S. Holden Rd. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

American National Champion Road Freddie Rodriquez on the climb. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Chris Froome climbs by next to David Millar and Dave Zabriskie. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Tejay van Garderen and Janier Alexis Acevedo in Beaver Creek 500m to the finish line. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Tejay leading up the hill to Beaver Creek.  Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

With a little discussion of who gets the win and who gets the jersey.  Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Tommy D coming in strong.  Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Gregory Obando Brenes of Costa Rica is now 6th on GC. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

And before all the riders had even reached the top, some of them began the descent back down to their team buses at the base of the hill to change into dry clothes. Here Philip Deignan of Ireland descends rapidly. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Mic Rogers finishing a very aggressive stage. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Jens Voigt and Jason McCartney on the final climb. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

A very wet Peter Sagan finishing the race today.  Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

And then Peter Sagan finding an alternative route down the hill after the stage. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Matt Cooke is pretty thrilled to be in his red and white jersey this week.  Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

These photos may not show it, but it really rained hard today at the end of the stage into Beaver Creek. Tomorrow rain is expected again, just in time for the top contenders to take to their TT bikes and race an individual time trial at high altitude. I'll see you on Vail Pass tomorrow to watch all the action. Bring a rain jacket!  


Tomorrow's Stage 5 of the 2013 USA Pro Challenge, August 23, 2013

Read the Pedal Dancer® FAN GUIDE to Stage 5 for the individual time trial in Vail. Timing of the day and where to watch the race. Stage 5 Start & Finish: USA Pro Challenge in Vail

For more information, and a listing of all race results, please visit the PEDAL DANCER RACE GUIDE PAGE: USA PRO CHALLENGE

Order of Riders Startlist for the time trial in Vail: USA Pro Challenge Startlist Stage 5 in Vail

Official website: www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com/
Official Spectator Guide: Official 2013 Spectator Guide

USA Pro Challenge 2013 - Results Stage 3

Breckenridge - Steamboat Springs Colorado - Race Results

It was a day for all those Jens Voigt fans out there - and there are many of you.

The day started with a large crowd gathered around Jens Voigt's new bike, resting peacefully outside the team bus in Breckenridge. Fans oohed and awed and giggled over the details of Jensie's new white bike. From a distance what you will first notice are the red, yellow and black colors of the German flag painted on the bike, but close up you will see all the many details that make this bike uniquely Jens'.

This is Jens' new bike!  Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

The top tube has the name of his wife and 6 children.  Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Family names adorn the top tube. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Picasso’s Dove of Peace is the symbol of the Peace Race.  Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

The under belly of Jen's top tube says it all.  Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Don't worry - Jensie's Shut Up Legs gray bike is in tow on the team car, just in case. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

The crowd went crazy for Jens as he took center stage at the sign-in stage before the start in Breckenridge, Colorado this morning. During his interview by Announcer Dave Towle, Jens warned us of an attack, but we hear that a alot. Isn't that what Jens does when he comes to Colorado?

Jens Voigt on stage

And then, it happened - I rubbed shoulders with Jens Voigt. Like literally. Because my worse nightmare of being in a rider's way near the sign-in stage / start line came true this morning when I looked up into the eyes of an approaching Jens Voigt only to realize he was headed straight for me ... don't move, I thought, hold your ground, it's only Jens Voigt, he won't take me out. Maybe. Instead he basically braised off of my back and shoulder and rolled on by. We both survived and I did not become the fan who took down Jens Voigt.

I looked back over my shoulder to make sure. He rode off leaving me to think - well that worked out ok, we're both still upright.

Totally un-phased, he rode off.  Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Obviously Jens was no worse for the wear because he did pretty well out there today on the road to Steamboat Springs.

And just in case you want to ignore the "do not try this at home" warnings, this is how Jens descends. And now we all know why the names of his family members are on his top tube - because that is where his heart is. Awwhh.

 Thanks Tour Tracker for this screen capture.

View Jens Voigt's SRM data in TrainingPeaks By Training Peaks - a 1262 watts breakaway effort!

How many Jens Voigt fans are out there? Apparently a lot. Thanks to all of you for gracing us with your screaming on the TV coverage today. (Related reading: Jens Voigt - Hero of Stage 20 By Pedal Dancer)

I met these two brothers yesterday on Independence Pass. They are here all week to chase the race and cheer on Jens Voigt. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Today's results from the tour in Colorado.

Stage 3 Results:

 1. Peter Sagan (SVK) of Cannondale Pro Cycling
 2. Luka Mezgec (SLO) of Team Argos-Shimano (impressive increasing speed!)
 3. Ryan Anderson (CAN) of Optum Presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies

Peter Sagan contemplating a very successful day ahead. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

2nd place Luka Mezgec and his teammate Nikodemus Holler this morning in Breckenridge. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

GC Standings: Complete list of Standings

General Classification after Stage 3
AUS  1  MORTON, Lachlan David (GARMIN SHARP) 11:35:40
SUI  2  FRANK, Mathias (BMC RACING)          +  2
SVK  3  SAGAN, Peter (CANNONDALE)            + 11
USA  4  VAN GARDEREN, Tejay (BMC RACING)                       
USA  5  CRADDOCK, Lawson (BONTRAGER CYCLING) + 18
USA  6  DANIELSON, Thomas (GARMIN SHARP)     + 29
COL  7  ATAPUMA HURTADO, Darwin (COLOMBIA)   + 35
ITA  8  CARUSO, Damiano (CANNONDALE)         + 41
BEL  9  VAN AVERMAET, Greg (BMC RACING)                        
FRA  10 GALLOPIN, Tony (RADIOSHACK LEOPARD)                    
AUS  11 SUTHERLAND, Rory (SAXO-TINKOFF)                        
CRC  12 OBANDO BRENES, Gregory (CHAMPION SYSTEM)               
COL  13 ACEVEDO COLLE, Javier Alexis (JAMIS)   
USA  14 BALDWIN, Christopher (BISSELL CYCLING)                 
USA  15 EUSER, Lucas (UNITEDHEALTHCARE)                        
USA  16 JONES, Carter (BISSELL CYCLING)      + 46
USA  17 VANDEVELDE, Christian (GARMIN SHARP)                   
ESP  18 MEGIAS LEAL, Javier (NOVO NORDISK)                     
IRL  19 DEIGNAN, Philip (UNITEDHEALTHCARE)                     
SUI  20 SCHÄR, Michael (BMC RACING)             

Lachlan Morton. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Classification Jerseys after Stage 3: 
 
Yellow (overall) - Lachlan David Morton (AUS) Team Garmin-Sharp
Green (sprint) - Peter Sagan (SVK) Cannondale Pro Cycling
Red (climber) - Matt Cooke (USA) Jamis-Hagens Berman p/b Sutter
Blue (young) - Lachlan David Morton (AUS)  Team Garmin-Sharp
                        jersey to be worn by Lawson Craddock
Orange (aggressive) -Jens Voigt (GER) RadioShack Leopard Trek

Photos from the Day:

please click any image to enlarge

It was a beautiful morning on Swan Mountain Rd today. This was early before most of the fans arrived. Breckenridge is up valley. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

The USA Pro Challenge had already transformed Main St in Breckenridge by the time I arrived. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Typical morning interviews of riders were going on near the sign-in stage area. Matt Cooke (polka dot), and Dan Wuori interviewing Tom Zirbel. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Tejay van Garderen in his knee-highs signing autographs for fans on autograph alley this morning in Breckenridge. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Lachlan Morton's has officially licensed his bike in Colorado. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

The Champion System riders decided to spoof their DS who regularly wears his own fedora hat. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

There is no rest for the yellow jersey wearer. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

I still can't believe Chris Froome is racing in Colorado! I mean THAT is Chris Froome!! Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Lawson Craddock in the best young rider jersey next to Chris Froome. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Lineup in Breckenridge and our National Anthem. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

An amazing morning in Breckenridge. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Stage 3 begins to Steamboat Springs. Photo © By Karen at Pedal Dancer®

The finish into Steamboat USA Pro Challenge.  Photo by Scott Christopher of Bicycle Colorado.

Quote today: “It’s always amazing to see what these guys are capable of,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge.  “Between the stellar riding and the enthusiastic fans, this has been an incredible race so far. The crowds at the 2013 USA Pro Challenge continue to be humbling – we don’t get the crowds that we do out of luck, it’s because of the leadership in these communities and the remarkable racing from these world-class athletes.”

Tomorrow's Stage 4 of the 2013 USA Pro Challenge, August 22, 2013

Read the Pedal Dancer® FAN GUIDE to Stage 4 from Steamboat Springs to Beaver Creek:
Stage 4 Finish: USA Pro Challenge in Beaver Creek.  I will see you in Beaver Creek.

For more information, and a listing of all race results, please visit the PEDAL DANCER RACE GUIDE PAGE: USA PRO CHALLENGE

Official website: www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com/
Official Spectator Guide: Official 2013 Spectator Guide

I plan to write my typical travel interest stories probably next week after the Tour, since I am busy living the dream this week and lack time, but I just had to share this story with you early ...

This is Amy and Charles - they met 3 years ago on Swan Mountain Rd when the USA Pro Challenge first used the climb in the inaugural tour. The next year Charles proposed to Amy on Swan Mountain. Last June the two got married on Swan Mountain. And here they are today, together on Swan Mountain Road where it all began, to watch Stage 3.

Amy and Charles, today on Swan Mtn Rd

Recommended Reading: Development Observations

The Bright Future of Cycling

Read: Toolbox: Development Observations, By Bruce Hendler for Pez Cycling News

We will get the chance to cheer on the young and talented team of Bontrager next week at the USA Pro Challenge. Joe Dombrowski, who won the best young rider jersey in the 2012 edition of the race is now racing with team SKY and will return as a teammate of Chris Froome and Richie Porte. The Bontrager team remains loaded with other good riders.

Bontrager - in the black and white kits.  Photo from team website

Bontrager Cycling Team (USA) @BontragerCT
The team was 8th of 16 teams on team standings at the Tour of Utah (TOU) last week.

Bontrager Pro Cycling startlist - the 8 man team racing in the 2013 USA Pro Challenge (read more about these riders) or (full team roster)

• Nathan (Nate) Brown (USA) age 22
• Lawson Craddock (USA) age 21 (8th on GC at ATOC)
• Antoine Duchesne (CAN) age 21
• Ryan Eastman (USA) age 21
• Connor O'Leary (USA) age 22
• James Oram (NZL) age 20
• Tanner Putt (USA) age 21
• Nathan Wilson (USA) age 22

Bontrager Team Staff:
Team Manager: Axel Merckx
Head Soigneur (and a very funny man): Reed McCalvin
Head Mechanic: Eric Fostvedt

Axel Merckx in Santa Barbara, California, May 2013. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Bontrager Team Equipment Sponsors (full list of sponsors):
Read: Gallery: Inside the Bontrager development team’s Boulder service course, Photos By VeloNews

Bikes: Trek
Clothing: Bontrager
Components: SRAM
Wheels: Bontrager

Eric fostvedt, wrenching.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Team #Proveit 

Talent got you this far now what?Talent is easy, you were born with it. When it comes to ability you got a free pass. But you're not the only one. There are places in this world where talent is just plain common. You'll run into them soon enough, if they don't find you first. The question is when you do, will you have what it takes when the rubber hits the road? To take it to the next level? Will you have what it takes to do what is asked? To work? To learn? To listen? To improve? To be humble in respect of your gifts? To own up, to grow up, to have the confidence, to breakthrough? Riding with us isn't about your talent. It's about what you decide to do with it.

Axel's Axes achievement scale

Some of the riders on team Bontrager Pro Cycling have raced and grown together for two to four years now, but this is an Under-23 (race age) development team and unlike Jens Voigt who can stay until retirement, it is time for these young riders to move onward and upward. Those moving on include: Nate Brown, Gavon Mannion, and Jasper Stuyven. Nate Brown was picked up by Garmin-Sharp for 2014.

As seen in the video below of Nate Brown (team leader for the 2013 USA Pro Challenge), some of these young men found their interest through their parents or at local races as young as ten years-old. Why not take your son or daughter (or a neighbor's child) to a race this week. Expose them to the sport, let them watch and observe; you never know whether a fire will be lit within.

If you are at the USA Pro Challenge next week in Colorado, let that young rider go up and say hi to one of the Bontrager pro riders, you will find them exceedingly likeable, courteous and professional. This is a team I really like. It is also one of the reasons the race owners and organizers of the USA Pro Challenge bring this race to our backyard and invite team Bontrager to be on the list of teams every year - to further develop the sport of cycling.

Related posts by Pedal Dancer®: That's my kid! and Recommended Reading: Joe Dombrowski

Some Photos to share:

Lawson Craddock  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Lawson Craddock getting ready, pre  race prep. ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Lawson Craddock   ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Nathan (Nate) Brown   ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Jasper Stuyven  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

How to fuel team Bontrager.    ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

It was definitely a day for sunscreen in California at the hot ATOC.   ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Ryan Eastman (USA) and James Oram (New Zealand National Champion) of Bontrager Cycling Team are greeted by Ryan's parents in Santa Barbara, CA.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Warm Greetings.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Ryan and James - so nice to see riders finishing a stage smiling.  ©Photo by Karen at Pedal Dancer®

Bontrager Alumni Joe Dombrowksi in Aspen in 2012, with his teammate Connor O'Leary signing an autograph in the backgroud.  ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer®

Stage 1 Best Young Rider - USA Pro 2012 - Gavon Mannion (Bontrager) crosses the line in Telluride. ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer®

You will always see this team hanging out together before a race. Team Bontrager in Montrose before Stage 2  USA Pro 2012. ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer.com

Bontrager in Breckenridge 2012.   ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer.com

How you know Team Bontrager is in town (in Durango in 2012). ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer.com

The team giving an interview in Breckenridge in 2012. ©Photo by Karen at PedalDancer.com

Gavon Mannion on Independence Pass in 2012 at the USA Pro Challenge

Video: @OramNewZ releases a new video blog recapping the past month and previewing the @USAProChallenge - http://t.co/2PwOpzA97x #BCT
— Bontrager Cycling (@BontragerCT) August 12, 2013

Can't wait to see them race again next week.

btw - They need a new sponsor!

It would be to sad to see the @bontagerct disappear. I hope to be able to find a sponsor before the end of the month to save this program
— axelmerckx (@axelmerckx) August 13, 2013

Update 08/23/13: A Developing Drought If Axel Merckx doesn’t find a new sponsor for his Bontrager development team, young riders’ path to the pros will get harder. By Joe Lindsey


Update 08/25/13: Bontrager development team to continue in 2014 By Cycling News
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