Cannondale-Garmin went on the offensive on the first true climbing stage of the 2015 USA Pro Challenge, with Nate Brown in the day’s main break of 12 riders. As the miles wore on the group began to thin down to just the elite climbers, but ahead of the final ascent to A-Basin, Brown attacked the group and nearly rode away for a solo win, only to be caught in the final meters of the stage.

“I attacked the breakaway at 20 k to go,” said Brown. “Greg [Daniel] was able to join me and I was happy to have him there. We worked well together.”

Brown was clearly the stronger rider and as the race passed under the highway and the rode began to kick up, he went for the win.

“I saw an opportunity and went alone and I thought ‘I’ve got this!’ It would have been my first pro win so it’s bittersweet to be so close. But,
I’m still happy with my performance. I laid it all out there and gave it everything I had.”

Behind him teammate Davide Formolo rode a strong race, finishing just behind the winners in the top ten. 

“Davide had a great ride today,” said Brown. “He actually passed me at the top and he’s in a good position. As a team we’re going to stay really aggressive all week and look for opportunities.”