Expecting a challenging and hilly course at the 2016 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team brings a squad comprised of climbers, all-rounders, and fast finishers to contest the long days and many king of the mountain competitions across Utah's diverse terrain. Marking its 10th appearance in the race, The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team is the only squad to have participated in every edition of the Tour of Utah since 2006.
Mike Tamayo will be directing the team on the road in Utah. His experience combined with the climbing talent of the squad gives Tamayo an optimistic view of the team's chances over the seven-day race,
"The Tour of Utah has historically been one of the toughest races when it comes to climbing. We kept that in mind and are bringing not just one talented climber but our four best General Classification riders for this tour. Our riders have been preparing at altitude for some time now, and we are looking forward to a great week."
The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team roster in Utah will include Matthew Busche, the 2015 U.S. Professional Road Race national champion. He will be joined by strong climber Daniel Jaramillo and versatile sprinter Marco Canola. Jaramillo won the famed Gila Monster stage at the Tour of the Gila this year, and came away from the race with the Polka Dot jersey representing the leader in the Mountains Competition. Canola is known for a fast finishing kick, but can also hang with the best as the road pitches upwards. Canola finished third overall at the 2016 Philadelphia International Cycling Classic.
Johnny Clarke has shown strong form throughout the season, starting with a third place finish on the punchy Arthur's Seat climb at the Herald Sun Tour. Veteran Slovenian rider Janez Brajkovic is a known face in the US peloton after years of experience racing at the highest level. It's this knowledge that the team will turn to as the regular cross winds and sharp climbs splinter the pack across Utah's high desert landscape.
Tanner Putt, a Utah native and a two-time (2013-14) U.S. National U23 Road Race champion, is a fast finisher and a rock-solid all-rounder when the team's plan requires a tenacious rider in the breakaway. Although the 2016 route is a dream for the climbers, Putt will serve double duty in looking after the climbers on the flatter stages, and contesting every sprint opportunity he can. Putt was excited for his home race, commenting,
"This year's Tour of Utah is another really tough and hilly course. We have a lot of really good climbers for this race that I will be supporting on the flatter stages. I will be aggressive from the start and take any opportunity I get for my home race."
Alongside Putt, the team has Daniel Eaton and Chris Jones to help shepherd the team on the transitions between climbs. Eaton has shown very promising time trial form that will be put to good use on the front of the pack in Utah, while Jones has proven year after year that he can perform and contribute at the highest level on courses of any pitch or length.
In 2015, the team started the Tour of Utah with a bang, as former team rider Kiel Reijnen won the opening stage. The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team rode in defense of the Yellow Jersey for most of the week, showing depth and strength on the strenuous climbs. Knowing what it takes to set a rider up for victory, the team will come back to the race with the same fortitude and tenacity that has proven successful in years past.
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