Rohan Dennis (AUS) BMC Racing Team conquers again and holds onto the Smashburger Race Leader Jersey, Lexus Sprint Points Jersey and Sierra Nevada King of the Mountain Jersey
Breckenridge, CO. (August 21, 2015) – Rohan Dennis of BMC Racing Team proved he’s one of the world’s best time trialists as he won his second consecutive stage claiming victory during the Stage 5 individual time trial of USA Pro Challenge Friday. By winning, the 25-year-old American increased his lead to 44 seconds over BMC Racing teammate Brent Bookwalter of the United States heading into the final two days of the seven-day race.
Dennis averaged 44.5 kilometers per hour, or 27 miles per hour, over the 13 kilometer (8.5 miles) course, which included a steep one kilometer climb over Boreas Pass at over 10,000 feet elevation. Dennis had sprung clear up the same climb to win Thursday’s stage during the road race from Aspen to Breckenridge.
“It was still painful, probably more painful,” Dennis said.
Canadian Rob Britton with Team SmartStop finished second 27 seconds behind Dennis while teammate Bookwalter finished third 31 seconds behind.
For Dennis, the 2015 USA Pro Challenge has been a coming of age party. After winning the opening stage of this year’s Tour de France, Dennis is becoming a strong stage racer.
When asked about having success at such a young age and so quickly Dennis said, “To be honest it doesn’t feel like it came that quickly. I’ve always had to work for my results.”
Dennis added, “I’ve never had my results just come to me and be given to me. In my mind, it’s not been super rapid. In my eyes, I still have a long way to go to be one of the best riders in the world.”
“This has got to be pretty much up there,” said second place finisher Rob Britton of Team SmartStop. “It is a huge compliment to who I came second to. Someone in his class, it’s amazing. I was third in Breckenridge last year. Maybe it’s a Breckenridge thing. I like this place.”
For the jerseys, Rohan Dennis (AUS) BMC Racing Team conquers again and holds onto the Smashburger Race Leader Jersey, Lexus Sprint Points Jersey and Sierra Nevada King of the Mountain Jersey. The Colorado State University Best Young Rider Jersey moves to Tao Geoghegan Hart (GBR) Axeon Cycling Team. Today’s FirstBank Most Aggressive Rider Jersey was awarded to Robbie Squire (USA) of Hincapie Racing Team and Edward Jones Best Colorado Rider Jersey stays with Alexandr Braico (MDA) of Jelly Belly P/B Maxxis
Saturday, August 22nd 2015 – Loveland to Ft. Collins
Start Time: 11:45 a.m. MT
Estimated Finish Time: 3:45 p.m. MT
Satellite Feed Time: 5 p.m. – 5:15 p.m MT / 7 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. EST
The start and finish location of Stage 6 may be familiar, but what lies between the two is new and challenging.
The early flats and sprints in Windsor and Loveland hide the wicked side of the route that waits in the second half. It may not have the grand names or the huge elevation numbers, but the lower and smaller climbs of this stage still have a serious sting. Climbing the north side of Carter Lake and then onto Rist Canyon should get everyone’s attention. It may also present one of the last chances for overall contenders to make a move. Wrapping up with the jagged rollers of Horsetooth Reservoir before bombing into Ft. Collins, this stage proves that a race doesn’t need to reach 12’000’ to be epic.
Fans can view the race on the daily NBC Sports Group broadcasts. The Stage 5 schedule is as follows:
In addition to the broadcast, fans can follow the 2015 USA Pro Challenge with the Tour Tracker. Available on the race website, as well as through a free download on iTunes and Google Play, the Tour Tracker includes:
To watch live race coverage, go to www.prochallenge/tourtracker
For a complete roster listing, go to: http://prochallenge.com/the-competition/mens-teams
Referred to as “America’s Race,” the USA Pro Challenge will take place August 17-23, 2015. For seven consecutive days, the world’s top athletes race through the majestic Colorado Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they’ve ever had to endure. The inaugural Women’s USA Pro Challenge is a three-day invitation-only event and will kick off in Breckenridge on August 21st and conclude in Golden on August 23rd. One of the largest cycling events in U.S. history and the largest spectator event in the history of the state, the USA Pro Challenge is back for 2015. Featuring a challenging course, the fifth annual race will spotlight the best of the best in professional cycling and some of America’s most beautiful scenery.
More information can be found online at www.prochallenge.com and on Twitter at @USAProChallenge.