Devil's Den State Park, Arkansas – Michael Rice, in 21st place, was the Axeon Hagens Berman Cycling Team's best finisher in the uphill, individual time trial that opened the 40th edition of the Joe Martin Stage Race Thursday.
The 21-year-old Australian – who won the final stage of the San Dimas Stage Race last weekend – stopped the clock in the 4.83-kilometer race 28 seconds off the winning time of 9:17 by Adam De Vos (Rally Cycling). Robert Britton (Rally Cycling) was runner-up in the same time. Gavin Mannion (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team) was third, three seconds slower.
Other Axeon Hagens Berman rider performances were: 28, Rui Oliveira, at 32 seconds; 36, Geoffrey Curran, at 40 seconds; 60, Chad Young, at 54 seconds; 62. Jonny Brown, at 55 seconds.
The four-day USA Cycling Pro Road Tour opener continues Friday with the first of two road races.
Header photo of Rui Oliveira by Davey Wilson.
