While the course profile showed a tough climb over Independence Pass, it was not a day for the pure climbers, as the screaming descent into Aspen made for a fast finish. Team Cannondale-Garmin’s German neo-pro Ruben Zepuntke flew down the mountain to regain the leaders in time to sprint for third on the day.

“I was around 40th on the top and I went with Logan Owen on the descent,” said Zepuntke. “The yellow jersey group was just in front of us, but with the twisty roads we lost sight of them. But we had the helicopter so we knew they were close. Then the cars started passing us and I thought we had lost it; but suddenly we saw the cars so went harder and we came back to the group with around 10km to go.”

The small group on the front mushroomed to around 40 as riders caught back on. Then it was time to take stock of the group’s composition.

“I looked around at who was there and I saw that I was one of the better sprinters. Kiel Reijnen was of course a great sprinter so I got on his wheel, but I lost it in the final turns and was out of position. Then I just went hard to see what happens, jumping from wheel to wheel. I came with a high speed and was coming fast but just couldn’t catch him.”

“I was a little disappointed with myself for being out of position there but I am still proud of myself to be in the group coming over Independence Pass, especially as a neo-pro, so I am very motivated with the stages to come to get a win for the team.”

Also in the leader’s group was the team’s GC contender Davide Formolo; and earlier in the stage it was Janier Acevedo flying the Green Argyle flag in the main breakaway, rounding out a strong ride for the team.

“I think I can contend for a stage win and we have Davide looking good for the GC,” said Zepuntke. “The team is doing really well so far and I am looking forward to the coming days!”