Cycling: Velde claims USA Pro Challenge title

DENVER: American Christian Vande Velde overcame a nine-second deficit to claim the USA Pro Challenge with a runner-up finish in the final stage individual time trial won by compatriot Taylor Phinney. Vande Velde, who finished second overall in the inaugural event last year, was 13 seconds behind Phinney on the 15.3-kilometre stage. “I can’t believe I won,” said Velde.  “I wasn’t going to let one slip away this time.” Last year’s winner, however, finished 33 seconds behind Vande Velde in the time trial to slip to third overall. Van Garderen of the US was third in the time trial, 19 seconds behind Phinney and finished second overall.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 28^th, 2012.