New addition to the team, Leah Thomas, starts the season in style grabbing the win on the first day of the Valley of the Sun stage race in Phoenix, Arizona. Coming into the race as defending champion, Thomas put in a confident effort on the first stage time trial, taking the win with a 13-second gap over rival Sara Bergen (Rally).
It is great to get the season underway at Valley of the Sun stage race with UnitedHealthcare. Every time trial is a learning experience, and the 14 mile relentless time trial is an excellent test to help gauge my early season fitness and time trial position, and to identify things to tweak and improve upon before the next race. Taking the top step, I am pleased with my effort, and with Lauretta Hanson sitting in 4th place, we will have some cards to play in tomorrow’s road race. I am looking forward to racing a dynamic stage with my teammates and working together to protect the overall lead.
Leah Thomas
Happy with the start of the season, coming right out of the team’s training camp in Tucson, Director Rachel Heal added, “Coming into the race as defending champion, the pressure was on Leah, and she put in a fantastic performance to take the win. With Lauretta continuing her early season form to take 4th and Katie just outside the top 10, we’re in a great position, and looking forward to racing hard going into tomorrow’s road race.”
PHOENIX, AZ – FEBRUARY 16: UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team at the Valley of the Sun Stage Race on February 16, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jonathan Devich/Epicimages.us)
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