The final stage of the fifth USA Pro Challenge in Denver was also the final U.S. stage of Cannondale-Garmin veteran Ted King’s career.

“Today was a mixed bag of emotions,” said King. “The team rode really well. We missed the initial break but we all lit it up going into Lookout Mountain to animate the race on home soil. Then Janier [Acevedo] bridged across which was a very impressive move.”

With the fast racing the break did not survive to the finish, and the Green Argyle moved into setting up for a sprint.

“Very aggressive racing from the field brought it back,” said King. “We tried to get Ruben [Zepuntke] up there for the sprint and it was a fast, fast finish.”

After the stage the team went to the Cannondale expo booth for a retirement party in honor of King.

“Huge family turnout, friends, supporters and teammates — the crowds were fantastic, per usual as we all know at the USA Pro Challenge. It tugged on the heart strings way more than I could have imagined. It was a great day of racing to finish off my career in America.”