Jake Keough wins Roswell

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Jake Keough (UnitedHealthCare Pro Cycling Team) took his first win of the season on Sunday night by taking the Roswell Criterium in a field sprint. Teammate Hilton Clarke (Aus) was able to hang on for second after launching Keough with his leadout, while Carlos Alzate rounded out the top three.

There was a moment of controversy with less than 30 minutes left in the race, when officials had to stop and restart the race due to a huge crash and pile-up involving more than 40 riders.

When the race finally resumed, it was UnitedHealthcare that took control of the race, with all eight of the team’s riders keeping the pace high for the final 5 laps. Clarke did the final leadout for Keough who smoothly came past the Australian for a decisive win.

"This team was unbelievable tonight," said Keough on his win.

"Getting on the podium in this sport is not easy and it requires a full team effort. When our Team takes the front, it's a beautiful ride, and when you have guys working as hard as this group does, you don't want to let them down. Everyone did their part and I put the responsibility on myself to deliver the victory and make sure everyone's hard work paid off."

Keough also commented on the atmosphere surrounding the race.

"The Southeastern Criteriums are great races to compete in. The fans, the weather, the races, and the overall environment here in Roswell and last night in Athens were awesome! Winning the Historic Roswell Criterium feels great and I'm glad Hilton (Clarke) and I were able to land on the podium tonight.”

Cliff-Ryan doubles up

In the women's race, Colavita Forno d'Asolo sprinter Theresa Cliff-Ryan made it two in a row, out-sprinting Christina Gokey-Smith (Rouse) and Laura Van Gilder (Mellow Mushroom).

It was the second victory in a row for Cliff-Ryan, who claimed a dominant victory in the previous night's Athens Twilight criterium.

The USA Crits Speedweek continues on May 3 with the Beaufort Memorial Classic.