Cycling: Kiel Reijnen secured the opening win at the USA Pro Challenge in Aspen yesterday, Monday. In a two-man sprint, he prevailed against Alex Howes.
The first stage of the USA Pro Challenge took place yesterday, Monday, in the winter paradise of Aspen. On a nearly 98-kilometre route, the drivers fought for a good start to the seven-day tour.
In a gripping sprint, Kiel Reijnen (United Healthcare Pro Cycling) through against Alex Howes (Garmin Sharp). After a group of 26 men defeated Jens Voigt's (Trek Factory Racing) ten kilometers before the finish, the Novo Nordisk team driver attacked Javier Megias.
With three kilometers to go, however, Reijnen, Howes and Ben Hermans caught the breakaway and went in search of the first stage win.
Howes was the one who took the initiative and led the sprint. Reijnen and Howes have known each other for many years, so it's no surprise that Reijnen was attached to Howes' rear wheel from the start. In the end it was Reijnen who prevailed in the downhill sprint.
Jens Voigt finished in 15nd place, almost 22 seconds behind.
Results
1. Kiel Reijnen (USA) UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling 2:26:35
2. Alex Howes (USA) Team Garmin-Sharp
3. Ben Herman's (Bel) BMC Racing Team +0:00:03
4. Carter Jones (USA) Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies
5. Matthew Busche (USA) Trek Factory Racing