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Stage 1
Thursday, June 4
Cooper Spur Circuit Race
85 miles |
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Mach In Yellow
The BISSELL Pro Cycling Team was in great form for Thursday’s Copper Spur Circuit Race where they took 1st and 2nd for the day. In a very tight finish, BISSELL’s Paul Mach took the stage 1 victory and Morgan Schmitt came across close behind in 2nd. The 86 mile circuit race was made up of 4 laps and an uphill finish. A break of 4 got away early; however due to considerable pressure on the group, a rider was dropped every lap. After the 3rd lap, only 2 riders remained in the break and going into the final lap only Dan Martin (Safeway) sat in the lead with a 4 minute time gap. BISSELL’s Omer Kem and Graham Howard lead the chase at the front of the peloton and caught Martin 5k from the finish. With their job done, Graham and Morgan regrouped for the tough finish destined to come. Constant attacks shot off from the front but the successful move came from Mach. In a very close finish, Paul took the win with Morgan on his wheel for 2nd. Justin England (California Giant) came across for third. The time bonuses awarded will aid Paul and Morgan as they go into tomorrow’s stage with a narrow margin separating the top GC. Paul leads the GC and will go off last in the spectacular but tough 18.5 mile Scenic Gorge Time Trial.
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