The Cannondale-Garmin squad began its home race in Steamboat Springs, with two laps of a circuit that proved tougher in reality than on paper, thanks to warm temperatures combined with high altitude. With the race blown apart on the KOM it was Davide Formolo and Ruben Zepuntke riding hard in the lead group for the Green Argyle, with Zepuntke sprinting to 15th.
“In the end it was pretty hard because BMC went flat out on the second KOM and it was full gas,” said Formolo. “I didn’t want go full gas because I know at this altitude it is better to never go full gas, but I had to push it a little near the top to stay with the group.”
Director Sportif Charly Wegelius said the team planned for a reduced peloton over the final KOM and was working for Ruben Zepuntke in the sprint.
“We rode for Ruben today who would have a good chance in a reduced field sprint,” Wegelius said. “But it was such a hard tempo on the final climb that he was a bit short on energy for the final sprint. Still it was a good effort on the part of the whole team.”
“Almost everyone was hurting because of the speed on the front,” said Formolo. “I think also the heat along with the altitide made it difficult today.”
The second stage begins in Steamboat Springs and will take the riders over Rabbit Ears Pass, the first big test for the general classification.
“We went training on the first climb yesterday,” said Formolo. “Tt’s not super steep but it’s a long climb and it will be hard on the breathing with the altitude — but it’s the same for everyone. It will be important to stay with the leaders tomorrow and I will see how my body reacts. We have a super team here so if it’s not me we have many other great riders.”
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