Exergy Shines in Calville Bay Classic Southern Nevada Stage Race

Approximately 80 starters for the 4 day stage race on the shores of Lake Mead, Nv last week. The terrain is open with rolling hills, but nothing climbing for more than 1.5 miles. A breakaway of 8 riders formed about half way through stage one with only 25 seconds on the chasing peloton. Apparently there were some mixed words in the chase group, and a LaGrange rider (from Southern Cal) grabbed another racer's handlebars, tossing him to the ground. The ensuing pile-up caused the gap to double immediately, giving the break a more comfortable minute lead. Fortunately for Team Exergy, Austin Arguello was in that break. The group stayed away until the finish, with Austin sprinting into 4th place, one position ahead of former Tour de France winner Floyd Landis.
 
Day 2 was the time trial. Uphill, but only 4 miles in distance. Rather short, but plenty painful! After the first 2 days were added up, Austin had dropped 2 positions. The leader from day one was still on top of the standings. In fact, the first 6 positions for the week were ultimately determined by the first day's results.
 
Stage 3 was a bit more challenging. 90 miles with rain, wind, and about a dozen dirt sections. Tad Hamilton forced the early break with 2 other riders, managing to stay off the front until about the 50 mile mark. After the threesomes' capture, a solo move from last year's winner, Ben Day of Australia, put the race into a frenzy. The Aussie managed to elude the field until Kai Applequist and Brandon Lynch successfully pulled him back into the fold. From that point on it was going to be another sprint finish. A wicked crash in the ladies race had forced the officials to move the finish line for the Pro mens event. The change caught the field off guard, but the Exergy boys appeared to be paying attention, as we lined up 3 men for the sprint finale. In the end, the distance to the new line was mis-measured, and Austin faded from what looked like a victory, to another 4th place finish.
 
The final day of racing was a beautiful .5 mile "L" shaped course with a small hill in it. A strong wind blowing into the long back stretch meant that a break would never stay away, and this stage came down to another sprint finish. A crash with 1.5 laps to go put the cat amongst the pigeons, effectively scattering riders and making "every man for himself". Chris Stuart elbowed his way into good position and challenged the finale for a hard earned 3rd place on the stage.
 
It was the first event with a full crew, and I must say the boys get on well together. I think that the team is poised to make a serious impact this season. We still have 3 guys that a riding themselves into shape, so we won't see our best team until the summer season.