By Graham Healy
Philip Deignan (UnitedHealthcare) showed great form on the opening stage of the Tour of Utah, as he finished in a diminished lead group of 41 riders in 28th place. His teammate, Rory Sutherland took the stage yesterday, Tuesday.
The riders faced a difficult 211 kilometres, with nearly 3,000 metres of climbing in temperatures reaching 37 degrees C.
The early breakaway was brought back on the last climb of the day, and with 8 kilometres remaining, Deignan went clear on his own. His attack was short-lived however.
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It all came back together, and coming into the last corner, Sutherland was in fourth position, and was easily able to out-sprint Damiano Caruso (Liquigas) and Brent Bookwalter (BMC).
With time bonuses, Sutherland holds a four-second lead going into the second stage, as the UnitedHealthcare team tries to keep the yellow jersey. Today (evening Irish time) they face a 22-kilometre Team Time Trial on a motor-racing circuit.
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The Donegal man should have further opportunities during the week, as the race re-enters the mountains tomorrow, Thursday, and they will also face over 3,000 metres of climbing on Saturday.
Matt Brammeier (Omega Pharma – Quick Step) is also participating, but finished in a group over nine minutes down on the opening stage. Brammeier’s focus this week will be to help his team leader, Levi Leipheimer; with the American attempting to win the race for the third year in a row.
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