Reijnen Wins First Stage of USA Pro Challenge

Aug 19, 2014 – American Kiel Reijnen powered his way to victory after an aggressive day of racing in the opening stage of the fourth annual USA Pro Challenge on Monday.

AFP/Darrell Parks

Reijnen, of the United Healthcare team, completed the 98 kilometer (61 mile) stage in two hours, 26 minutes and 35 seconds, finishing just ahead of fellow American Alex Howes.

Reijnen and Howes (Garmin-Sharp) overtook leader Spain’s Javier Megias during the final stretch of the race. Reijnen then edged out Howes at the finish, while Belgian rider Ben Hermans finished third. Megias finished in sixth place. American Carter Jones placed fourth while Matthew Busche of the US rounded out the top five.

The first stage included three 35 kilometre laps that included 701 metres of climbing per lap. The race started and ended in downtown Aspen and took the riders through Snowmass Village and McLain Flats.

Tuesday’s 168 kilometer second stage starts in Aspen and will finish with a sprint through the town of Crested Butte and then a steep climb up to Mount Crested Butte.

Results of the 98 kilometer first stage of the USA Pro Challenge’s Aspen and Snowmass circuit:
Stage 1
1. Kiel Reijnen (USA/UHC) two hours, 26 minutes, 35 seconds
2. Alex Howes (USA/GRS) same time
3. Ben Hermans (BEL/BMC) at 3 sec
4. Carter Jones (USA/OPM) s.t.
5. Matthew Busche (USA/TFR) s.t.
6. JavierMegias Leal (ESP/TNN) s.t.
7. Michael Schar (SUI/BMC) 0:12
8. Joseph Rosskopf (USA/HSD) s.t.
9. Brent Bookwalter (USA/BMC) s.t.
10. Lucas Euser (USA/UHC) s.t.

Overall
1. Kiel Reijnen (USA/UHC) two hours, 26 minutes, 35 seconds
2. Alex Howes (USA/GRS) same time
3. Ben Hermans (BEL/BMC) at 3 sec
4. Carter Jones (USA/OPM) s.t.
5. Matthew Busche (USA/TFR) s.t.
6. Javier Megias Leal (ESP/TNN) s.t.
7. Michael Schar (SUI/BMC) 0:12
8. Joseph Rosskopf (USA/HSD) s.t.
9. Brent Bookwalter (USA/BMC) s.t.
10. Lucas Euser (USA/UHC) s.t.