Monday, August 25, 2014

Carter Jones Takes USA Pro Challenge

Peaks Coaching Group Carter Jones USA Pro Challenge

On the back of four impressive top-ten finishes, including a fourth and sixth on the first and third stages respectively, Optum pro Carter Jones cemented his place as the top American GC rider in the domestic peloton at the UCI 2.HC USA Pro Challenge. Were it not for a well-publicized neutralization on Stage 2, which resulted in a case of hypothermia for Jones that dropped him to twelfth overall, he likely would have finished in the top five on GC. Regardless, in the last weekend of racing he attacked the elite group of GC men at the top of Hoosier Pass on Stage 5, then improved eleven places on his 2013 performance in the Stage 6 Vail TT to finish tenth on the day. Then in the Stage 7 finale, he again made the final group of GC contenders and showed off his great form by coming out of the last turn first, leading out Optum sprinter Jesse Anthony and finishing tenth himself. 

This accomplishment comes only two weeks after Carter finished seventh on GC in the UCI 2.1 (and America’s toughest stage race) Tour of Utah and several months after his May finish of eleventh on GC in the UCI 2.HC Tour of California. These high placings in America’s three premier UCI stage races have garnered Jones much attention in the press and make a strong argument that he is ready for a shot at the World Tour.

Congratulations, Carter! We can't wait to see all the places you'll go from here!

by Stephen McGregor, Ph.D., PCG master coach and personal coach to Carter Jones

Photo: Vail TT. VeloNews

Carter Jones Peaks Coaching Group USA Pro Challenge
Attack on Hoosier. Photo Credit: VeloNews

Carter Jones Peaks Coaching Group USA Pro Challenge
Final circuit in Denver. Photo Credit: VeloNews

Click below for additional information:

http://optumprocycling.com/2014/jones-8th-overall-anthony-7th-in-final-stage-at-usa-pro-challenge/

http://velonews.competitor.com/2014/08/news/verge-carter-jones-ever-present-contender_342385

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/usa-pro-challenge-jones-looking-for-big-result-in-colorado