Heavy selection in Colorado: Laengen 9th

Stars and stripes podium in the 2nd stage of the Colorado Classic, on a short but demanding course (103 km, Beckenridge-Beckenridge) with ten laps of a 10,3 km circuit with the climb of Moonstone (highest altitude of 3000 meters) and the descent of Illinois Gulch.
Alex Howes won the stage, preceding Eisenhart (new leader of the GC) and Stetina.

Vegard Stake Laengen (photo archive) was the best rider for the UAE Team Emirates, having obtained the 9th place at 1’37” to the winner, while Petilli was 11th at 1’49”
During the fourth lap, the Norwegian cyclist joined the group of the best riders, and he managed to obtain a place in the top 10 when the battle for the victory began.

“I felt good, the legs gave me positive feedbacks so I tried to be as long as possible with the best climbers – Laengen explained – It was a new experience for me riding at 3000 meters, it was hard to breath but I managed to use my energies in a proper way.
Next stages too will be demanding, even if the altitude will be lower, I look forward to try to repeat pretty good performances“.

Stage 2 results
1 Alex Howes (Cannondale-Drapac) 2h51’17”
2 Taylor Eisenhart (Holowesko-Citadel Racing) s.t.
3 Peter Stetina (Trek-Segafredo) 4″
9 Vegard Stake Laengen (UAE Team Emirates) 1’37”
11 Simone Petilli (UAE Team Emirates) 1’49”

General classification after stage 2
1 Taylor Eisenhart (Holowesko-Citadel Racing) 6h24’36”
2 Alex Howes (Cannondale Drapac) 1″
3 Peter Stetina (Trek-Segafredo) 11″
9 Vegard Stake Laengen (UAE Team Emirates) 1’48”
11 Simone Petilli (UAE TEam Emirates) 2′