ByStan Rose, Stan Rose
Israel’s Cycling Academy Team experienced mixed fortunes at the USA Pro Challenge International road race.
Facing mountain passes topping 11,000ft, high temperatures, fast speeds and thin air, the Academy Team of eight featured some strong performances.
The Academy was one of 16 teams, which included four World Tour groups, in Colorado for the race which covered 620 miles of varied terrain in seven stages.
From a base of around 2,000m the daily stages climbed as many as three mountain passes, rising to 3,686m.
The severity of the route took its toll and devastated the peloton with the Academy losing three of its riders in the first three days. Late substitute Guy Sagiv was the first to leave having finished just outside the time limit. Newly signed Spaniard Antonio Sampedro succumbed to the thin mountain air with breathing difficulties on stage two, and Guy Gabay similarly suffered oxygen deficiency on stage three.
The individual Time Trial on stage five saw Yoav Bear racing in his Israeli TT Champion’s jersey encouraged by many Israeli supporters, finished just 2:47 down on the stage winner.
The final 109.7 kilometre stage finished after a short climb with four circuits in Denver. In an incredibly fast and animated race, Academy star Dan Turek made a determined solo break during the last lap but was caught by the fast moving chasers, crossing the line in the main bunch.