Tour of the Gila Stage 2 Concludes in Historic Fort Bayard National Landmark with Photo Finish Wins

Photos by Paul Michaud

[Silver City, NM, April 19, 2018] Tour of the Gila cyclists had a great day on the course. World-class racers and amateurs alike traveled the Inner Loop Road Race on Thursday, April 19. Different classifications left at different times form two different start points, but all concluded at the Historic Fort Bayard National Landmark with a flat sprint finish for most groups. The UCI Men traveled 76.2 miles and UCI Women traveled 74.1 miles. The race course required 5,781 feet of climbing and had beautiful straight aways with sprint bonus opportunities accompanied by critical descents and tough climbs.

UCI Men rose to the challenge of the Gila with Christopher Blevins of Hagens Berman Axeon, completing the course in just under 4 hours, averaging a speed of 19.2 miles per hour. The silver went to Dani Jaramillo Diez on UnitedHealthcare with the same time, followed by Cormac McGeough of Jelly Belly p/b MASSIC at .02. Standings after two days of racing leaves Oscar Eduardo Sanchez Guarn of Canels-Specialized in the top place, followed by Robert Britton of Rally Cycling at 11 seconds back, and Janier Acevedo Calle in third of UnitedHealthcare at 55 seconds back. Team standings after two days of racing has UnitedHealthcare first, Hagens Berman Axeon second, and 303 Project in third.

Special jerseys for UCI Men awarded included:
General Classification: Oscar Eduardo Sanchez Guarn of Canel
Sprint Classification: Christopher Blevins of Hagens Berman Axeon
King of the Mountain Classification: Will be worn by Janier Acevedo Calle of UnitedHealthcare
Best Young Rider: Alexander Evans of Mobius

UCI Women showcased diverse riding talent with Chloe Dygert, of TWENTY20 p/b SHO-AIR, crossing the line first, averaging a speed of 20.07 miles per hour. She was followed by only .02 tenths of a second by Emma White, of Rally Cycling. Completing the top three was Dia Peurela Martinez of UnitedHealthcare, only .04 behind the leader. After two days of racing, the UCI Women’s field stands with Katherine Hall leading the group, followed by Sara Poidevin of Rally Cycling, just .12 seconds behind, and Edwige Pitel of QWC Cycling .18 seconds behind. Team standings have Rally Cycling in first, followed by TWENTY20 p/b SHO-AIR, and third to UnitedHealthcare.

Special jerseys for UCI Women awarded included:
General Classification: Katherine Hall of UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team
Sprint Classification: Emma White of Rally Cycling
King of the Mountain Classification: Pitel Edwige of QCW Cycling
Best Young Rider: Sara Poidevin of Rally Cycling

Tomorrow’s stage will be the Tyrone Time Trials where racers leave every 30 seconds and battle the clock and 1000 feet of climbing, but most dreaded will be the wind. Forecasts put potential wind at 25 miles per hour.