June 16/11 1:03 am - Nature Valley GP: Stage 1 Men

Posted by Editoress on 06/16/11
 

Sutherland Back In The Lead After Stage 1 Time Trial

Defending champion Rory Sutherland (UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation) came out with a bang Wednesday at the opener of the Nature Valley Grand Prix. With rain falling off and on, Sutherland stopped the clock at 13 minutes and eight seconds on the six-mile course. His teammate, Adrian Hegyvary, claimed second, five seconds back. Tom Zirbel (Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team) rounded out the podium a further three seconds back.

Sutherland said he is in peak form after taking a break following the Amgen Tour of California. “I've come off feeling good about what I've done there,” he said. “I come in here fresh, motivated.”

The 14th rider to start, Hegyvary, who set the early fast time, said he wasn't impacted by the rain. “The roads were obviously wet, huge puddles, but it rode more like a dry course because I didn't have to slow down for the turns. The turnaround was probably the wettest part, but it's a decreasing radius turnaround anyway, so you can't just bomb through it.”

Hailing from the Northwest, Hegyvary added with a smile that he was used to the rain. His strategy this year was simply to go out as hard as he could.

“Years past, I've gone a little bit too easy on the flats I think because this climbs lingers in the back of your mind," Hegyvary said. "So this year, I just said 'give it on the flats' and go as fast as I could. I think that's the way to do it. I cracked a little bit on the hill, but I think everybody does."

Hegyvary then waited while rider after rider tackled the mostly flat, out-and-back course, which ended on a stiff, 0.7-mile climb. His time held up until the final rider, Sutherland, bested it.

Sutherland said he's ready to defend and go for his fourth title at the 13th annual Nature Valley Grand Prix. According to the Australian, there is no secret to winning. It's simply hard racing.

“I think there are three elements to this race," he said. "First, it's having a good time trial the first day, either gaining time or not losing much time. Secondly, you have to be attentive every single day in the criteriums and ride to the front as much as possible and be supported by your team. And third, you need to get through Stillwater. As simple as it is, it's also hard at the same time. I think it's better to be leading than to be chasing."

Sutherland will be leading, wearing the yellow jersey in Stage 2, the Saint Paul Downtown Criterium. Riders race Wednesday evening on the other side of the Mississippi River, in the entertainment district of Downtown Saint Paul. This is a flat, fast, five-corner course that features brick sections around Rice Park and some of the most beautiful architecture in the Midwest.

By Lyne Lamoureax, Nature Valley Grand Prix