USA pro cycling challenge Stage 6

Stage 6 Golden to Boulder For a continental team, today is what it is all about. Serge (Serghei Tvetcov) was really coming into form throughout the week. After a tough first day with the Garmin boys smashing it from the gun, he finished with Cadel Evans 12:43 down. Day two’s greetings were much better, and he finished in 39th only 51 secs down on a very difficult finish at Crested Butte. Given the lost time on GC and plans later in the week to spring Freddie for a sprint win on Friday, Tad (director) instructed the team to ride smoothly to the Aspen Finish. The instructions remained the same for Beaver Creek where Jens Voigt benefitted from the peloton apparently having similar plans. We were anxiously awaiting Friday’s finish into Colorado Springs. Unfortunately, the combination of altitude, poor air quality from Colorado fires, and Freddie’s asthma caught up with him. Despite progressively moving into perfect position in the 3 lap criterium-like finale, Freddie’s lungs were not feeding the legs well enough to finish off the sprint. However, the only bright spot was Serge was able to pull him into position before Freddie waved him off, confirming his on coming form. There was some disappointment in the team meeting on Thursday night, but this was quickly dismissed. Attention was directed to the mountaintop Queen stage finish on Flagstaff in Boulder. After huge efforts early in the week to gain KOM points, Boulder resident and GC guy, Cookie (Matt Cooke) was trashed. However, his local knowledge was invaluable in reconnaissance of the course. Serge and Andres were to go on the attack, with Matt, Freddie, and Morgan to finish in the pack.

The Garmin Team discussing strategy during the first climb as attack formed. The attack was formed on the first climb shortly after leaving Golden. Serge successfully made that group and the fight was on. It was an incredible day in the break, gaining upwards of 5 minutes on the peloton as we made our way through Boulder. Serge further confirmed his explosiveness as he picked up top points on the first sprint on the way up to Ned.

Mo carefully reviewing who is in the break to help determine if it would stick The plan was to conserve his energy for the remainder of the stage, as an attack was unlikely to hold on the mostly downhill section from Ward and through Lyons. As the group was motivated to continue to work together till the final climb, we knew there would be one further selection at Lee Hill. Serge lost contact right before the KOM, but revealed his true mettle as he was able to fight back on during the descent. It was incredible racing through the massive crowds lining the road. I can only imagine what it must have been like for the guys on their bikes, as just being in the car was crazy enough. The break had whittled down to only 8 guys and Serge was representing Team Exergy incredibly well. They hit Flagstaff with a 2 minute lead on the yellow jersey. Rory Sutherland, Fabio Aru, and Jens Voigt were able to hold off the rest of the peloton to finish 1-2-3. Serge remained tough and finished as the 6th guy of the break. However, the GC guys were well rested in the peloton and were able to really unload the last 5k of Flagstaff, relegating him to 27th of the day right behind Tom Danielson. Though unlikely that a casual fan would appreciate the result, this was a great fight by Serge and he represented Team Exergy well in the break all day.

The crazy crowds