Posted by Jeff Sobul on August 23rd, 2009

Salt Lake City, UT - U.S. National Criterium Champion John Murphy took 2nd place in the final stage of the 2009 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah. Murphy finished just behind Australian criterium champion Bernard Sulzberger (Fly V) in the sprint finish.

“We took over the front of the race with eight laps to go,” said team directeur sportif Mike Tamayo. “We wanted to control the race at the end and do the full lead-out for Murph. The team did a great job of riding for John.”

Tim Johnson took Murphy to the last corner, but Sulzberger got the jump on him and narrowly held on for the win.

Strong race overall for OUCH Presented by Maxxis

Throughout the six-day race, OUCH Presented by Maxxis was one of the main protagonists. The team rode a very strong race, with Pat McCarty and Chris Baldwin figuring in the race’s key stages.

“Unfortunately we had a bit of bad luck with Chris in Stage 4 crashing on one of the descents,” Tamayo said. “He was definitely riding himself into a high position overall. He got back in the race but just couldn’t chase back to the front group when Rock Racing went to the front on the next climb. It’s frustrating for Chris and for all of us, but that happens sometimes.”

Baldwin had been sitting 4th overall going into Saturday’s stage to Snowbird after a strong time trial in Stage 3.

McCarty completed a solid race Sunday by finishing 8th overall after a good ride on the queen stage to Snowbird Saturday. “I was okay on the climbs Saturday, but not great,” McCarty said. “I had Brad (White) with me, and when I started to flag a little bit he got me going again. He was great. But the break had gotten so much time that day that they were too far up to bring back. But we had a lot of guys up toward the front in that stage. Brad was there. Floyd was there. It was a good day for the team.”

Those efforts helped OUCH Presented by Maxxis move up to 2nd overall in the team competition behind the Rock Racing team of overall winner Francisco Mancebo.

“It was a very good race for the team,” Tamayo added. “We raced hard, we raced well and we definitely had an impact. The race itself was great. The stages were hard. Having the 38 kilometer climb up to Nebo was epic. The crowds were great on Snowbird.

“I think this was good preparation ahead of the USPRO Championships next weekend and then the Tour of Missouri.” Tamayo added.

Photo: Jonathan Devich/epicimages.us

Print | posted on Monday, August 24, 2009 12:07 PM