The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team men’s and women’s criterium squads were out in force today at the Glencoe Grand Prix, the sixth race in the USA Criterium Championship Series. The team went into the Glencoe, Illinois event as favorites with returning 2013 race winner Brad White. The men’s squad also welcomed Hilton Clarke back to the fold after weeks in recovery from a broken hand caused by a crash earlier in the season.
The women’s squad kicked off the racing for the day. Comprised of Katie Hall, Cari Higgins, and Coryn Rivera, the women raced strong and smart, putting Rivera in great position for the finale. Unfortunately, she was then caught in a crash in the final 500 meters along with many of the race favorites, ending her opportunity to sprint at the line. The riders were not seriously injured and will continue their racing schedule as planned.
The men were set to race a few hours later. The fans were thrilled by numerous attacks early in the race, one of which would stick and gain almost two minutes on the field. Brad White was in the attack representing the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team with five other competitors. The break had power and was showing promise until a crash brought the move to a halt. Two riders were injured, but Brad and the remaining three were able to remount and continue racing. The four men worked well together, knowing that they needed to cooperate in order to preserve their lead. Their efforts were successful and the four riders entered the final laps with a stable advantage on the field. It became clear that the breakaway would survive and it was time to sort out which rider would emerge the race winner. White initiated the attacks, testing the legs and nerves of his competitors. The riders responded and the group came back together, resulting in an tense cat-and-mouse dynamic along the final stretch. When a rider finally sprinted for the line, White pounced, following his wheel then coming around the rider for the win, successfully repeating his 2013 victory at the Glencoe Grand Prix. With the victory secured, the UnitedHealthcare Blue Train queued up the lead out for the main field sprint for remaining places. Karl Menzies claimed 6th with Martyn Irvine close behind in 7th. Brad White said, “This is a great race. I’m glad to be back with the crit squad and it’s nice to race close to my home in Michigan. My family was here tonight, so it was extra special to win with them here to watch.”
David Cueli (The 706 Project) sprinted to second, with SoCal’s Anthony Canevari (Athlete Octane) rounding out the podium for 3rd in his first NCC podium.
The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team hopes to continue their success at tomorrow’s Parx Casino Philadelphia Classic tomorrow, led by 2013 race winner Kiel Reijnen.
Results
1 Bradley WHITE (UCI PCT/WPT: UnitedHealthcare)
2 David CUELI (The 706 Project)
3 Anthony CANEVARI (Athlete Octane)
Photo courtesy UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team
