Tour of Utah Stage 2 Update

Eric Jeppsen of local Utah team Cole Sports descends during the Stage 1 road race.

Yesterday's stage ran between Thanksgiving Point and Mount Nebo. A breakaway of seven riders went up the road and remained out in front until the final climb to the finish on Mount Nebo. On the slopes of the lengthy final climb, the break shattered. As the main field overtook the remains of the breakaway, Darren Lill of Team Type 1 launched a big attack. Oscar Sevilla of Rock Racing marked Lill for his team-mate, Francisco Mancebo, who wore the Gold Jersey of race leader. Lill soon distanced Sevilla and continued on alone. At the line, Lill celebrated a solo victory on his 27th birthday. Francisco Mancebo finished 22 seconds behind Lill, while Jeff Louder of BMC led a group of four riders to the line 26 seconds behind the stage winner.

In the general classification, Francisco Mancebo successfully defended his lead with his second place finish on Mount Nebo. Darren Lill of Team Type 1 now sits second in the overall standings at 35 seconds down on Mancebo. With his stage victory, Lill also took over the lead in the Mountains Classification. Jeff Louder of BMC, meanwhile, is currently third in the general classification at 40 seconds down on Mancebo. With his third place finish on Mount Nebo, Louder now wears the Blue Jersey of Best Utah rider. Alex Howes of Felt-Howelesko Partners U23 team leads the Best Young rider classification. Howes is the current U23 national road race champion.

Fred, our fearless photographer, returns to action for tonight's stage 3 time trial. The flat time trial takes place at the Miller Motorsports Park and covers 14.5 kilometers. Check back tomorrow for a photo gallery and race update. The Tour of Utah concludes Sunday.

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