USA Pro Challenge Stage 1 » Mountain Weekly News

Stage 1 of the 2013 USA Pro Challenge wrapped up on Monday with Peter Sagan of Cannondale Pro Cycling winning the stage and taking home the coveted yellow jersey, we’re looking forward to Stage 2, which will start Tuesday morning at 10:10 a.m. MT in Aspen. The first stage of the USA Pro Challenge got off to an amazing start with a circuit race that consisting of three 22-mile laps, from Aspen to Snowmass that totaled 66 miles.

This was the most strenuous start to the USA Pro Challenge in history with the competitors climbing 3,080 ft. per lap. Huge crowds came out and lined the race route around Aspen in Snowmass complete with wild costumes, cowbells and lots of enthusiasm cheering the racers up the mountain hills and through the town of Aspen.

Peter Sagan won three jerseys on Monday, as he was the first to cross the finish line earning him the Leader Jersey, he also won the Best Young Rider Jersey and last but not least the Sprint Jersey. Sagan will be extremely warm tomorrow if he tries to wear all three jerseys 🙂

“I felt good today. I came here two weeks ago to adjust to the altitude and I think it really helped me prepare for the race.” said Sagan. “I’m very happy. I’m thankful for my teammates and the support from the fans,”

Stage 1 was comprised of 3 circuits that included two Clif Bar sprints and four Nissan King of the Mountains competitions which gave the riders a taste of what lies ahead over the next week. The competition really heated up with Sprint and King of the Mountain points on the line. American Matt Cooke won three of the four King of the Mountain competitions by dominating the mountain pass climbs earning him valuable point in the race. While Peter Sagan blasted past everyone to win both sprint line competitions.

With just more than half a mile to go in the race, the BMC Racing Team led the chase trying to set up for the sprint finish, but in the end Sagan turned up the gas and crossed the finish line first.

More photos can be found here from the USA Pro Challenge.

Stage 1 Jersey Winners

Smashburger Leader Jersey – Peter Sagan (SVK) of Cannondale
Clif Bar Sprint Jersey – Peter Sagan (SVK) of Cannondale
Nissan King of the Mountains Jersey – Matt Cooke (USA) of Jamis-Hagens Berman p/b Sutter Home
FirstBank Most Courageous Rider Jersey – Craig Lewis (USA) of Champion System Pro Cycling Team
Colorado State University Best Young Rider Jersey – Peter Sagan (SVK) of Cannondale