Rory Sutherland all set for the Tour of California after his historic win at the Tour of Gila 2012
Rory Sutherland helped the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team with an overall win at the 26th Annual SRAM Tour of the Gila.
The cyclist started the race on a high note and claimed the opening stage after his terrific performance.
He completed the event in a total time of 13 hours, 28 minutes and 12 seconds and secured his first overall victory of the season.
Chad Beyer of Team Competitive Cyclist Racing finished 15 seconds behind and occupied the second spot.
Joe Dombrowski of Bontrager-Livestrong Team achieved the third position finishing 22 seconds behind the leader.
Francisco Mancebo of Team Competitive Cyclist Racing Team, Lawson Craddock of Team Bontrager-Livestrong Team and Sebastian Sales of Team Optum Pro Cycling p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies occupied the next three positions.
Sutherland was fully supported by his team-mates who ensure their leader’s overall dominance throughout the five-staged race.
The 30-year-old thanked his team-mates and noted that the win belongs to the whole Team UnitedHealthcare and will be a step forward in team’s progress in the remaining part of the season.
Sutherland mentioned that his team has worked hard in the past few months and is now on the right track for the coming events.
"This was not easy, it was tough. The boys did a great job getting us to this point and sometimes you have to put it on your shoulders and bring it home".
Team General Manager and Director Mike Tamayo briefed, "The SRAM Tour of the Gila is a great stage race and its good for us to get a stage race win on US soil”.
“It's important for our title sponsor, UnitedHealthcare, and for all of our sponsors”.
“Winning the overall at Gila and watching the boys race up the Gila monster reassured us that the team has done all the right things this spring", he concluded.
Mike noted that Jonny Clarke, Ben Day, Davide Frattini and Chris Jones made the maximum contribution towards the victory.
The team is now optimistic to continue its terrific winning momentum at the upcoming Amgen Tour of California.
It has not yet been invited to the race, but considering the most recent performance, there are strong chances of seeing the American team at the coming event.
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