Keough lead United domination

UnitedHealthcare has been close to victory in the first quartet of races at USA Crits Speed Week, but it was Jaco Keough that finally got the job done at the Spartanburg Downtown Criterium. The team was dominate at the finish, with only Bahati Foundation’s Hilton Clarke stopping the team from filling all three steps of the podium.

Andrew Pinfold took third place behind Clarke, while Australia’s Karl Menzies just missed out on a podium spot as he claimed fourth place.

“After being so close the last few races, this win was sweet,” Keough said. “We’re racing consistently well, and it's good to finally get back on the top step.

“Coming into the final turns, Hilton was able to slip between me and Pinner,” Keough said. “I came off of Hilton’s wheel in the sprint and was able to get around him at the line.”

Ironically it was Hilton’s brother Johnny Clarke who attacked the peloton with eight laps remaining, allowing the UnitedHealthcare riders to rest ahead of the sprint finish.

Cliff-Ryan comes out on top

Theresa Cliff-Ryan (Colavita/Baci Pro Cycling) held off Laura Van Gilder (Mellow mushroom) in a two-woman sprint for the elite women’s race. Erica Allar (Team Vera Bradley Foundation) finished third.

Results