The Hagens Berman Axeon Cycling Team is switching continents this weekend to race San Dimas Stage Race. The three-day race in Southern California is comprised of an individual time trial, a road race, and a criterium on the final day. It is the first race on U.S. soil for the team this season after a successful start in Europe.
Today’s uphill time trial featured a 4.25 mile, twisting route up Glendora Mountain Road (“GMR”). One of the most popular climbs in the area, GMR poses a varying pitch of 4.5 - 6.5 percent and a total elevation gain of 1,247 feet.
Chris Blevins quickly shook off any mountain biking or cyclocross tendencies when hopping on the time trial bike this afternoon. Blevins posted the third best time on the day, cruising up GMR in a time of 15:11, 18 seconds off the leader, Jordan Cheyne (Elevate-KHS Pro Cycling). For his effort, Blevins will don the AW Landscaping White Jersey for tomorrow’s second stage.
“As far as TTs go, this is one of my favorites and I was excited for it,” said Blevins. “I went out a bit too hard and faded some at the end, but we’re really happy with how we all rode today, and it puts us in a good spot for tomorrow.”
Thomas Revard was just milliseconds behind Blevins in fourth place. Eddie Anderson and Zeke Mostov placed 7th and 22nd respectively.
“It’s great to end the day with three riders in the top ten,” said sport director Jeff Louder. “It’s good to have confirmation that the guys are riding strong in their first race of the season. I think we can start tomorrow with a lot of confidence and continue hunting results.”
The team will tackle 12 laps of a 7 mile circuit around Puddingstone Reservoir and Bracket Field Airport for the San Dimas Hospital Road Race tomorrow. The race gets underway at 1:15 PDT.
Header photo of Christopher Blevins by Davey Wilson.
