2015 USA Pro Challenge stage 1 preview
Steamboat Springs, 156km
The 2015 USA Pro Challenge begins in Steamboat Springs, with two laps of a challenging 78km circuit. Beginning at just under 7000ft in altitude, the stage is much lower than last year's start at Snowmass, but climbs up CR 27 almost to 8,000ft before dropping back down to the start line. The stage will have two category 4 climbs and one intermediate sprint, and with the second climb coming with more than 40km to go, it should give the sprinters plenty of time to get back on to contest the finish.
Mike Creed says:
Any climb thats at 7500 feet of elevation will be a tricky one. On paper, it doesn’t look like much. But bike races aren’t abject examples of “on paper” logic.
I’m writing this before I get confirmed start list. So, I could be leaving someone out who didn’t do Tour of Utah. But, I would assume that Eric Young, with a refenforced lead out from Ryan Anderson and GuillaumeBovin will be a threat.
Drapac with Wouter Wippert is obviously a bet, too. But the way he was climbing at Utah. He’ll have to have his head on.
Optum rarely takes control of the race, which is a dangerous move for a team with such a obvious winner. They’re probably safe flying under the radar. But if something goes pete tong, he’ll be left on his own. My dark horse is Logan Owen. He’s a handy little guy in the fast sprints after a hard day.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Zurich World Championship ends up 4.5 million CHF over budget
City and canton helping to bail out organisers -
Classic Brugge-De Panne Women past winners
Recap of winners for the Women's WorldTour one-day race 2018-2024 -
How to watch Trofeo Alfredo Binda 2025 – TV and streaming options
All the broadcast information for the prestigious women's Classic in Italy -
'We'll have to drop Ganna' - Juan Ayuso targets Tirreno-Adriatico victory on Saturday's mountain finish
Spaniard in control of GC battle but Antonio Tiberi and Derek Gee are close rivals