2018 Tour of the Gila, Day 4
Crit Day is always nice...everyone gets to sleep in, go for a nice easy spin in the morning, take in a nap and basically relax before the late afternoon race.
The Downtown Silver City Criterium at the Tour of the Gila was 40 laps of a 1.08 mile four corner rectangular course with about 80 feet of climbing per lap.
With the current GC situation a field sprint was the most likely outcome. Gateway Harley-Davidson Trek Development Team's plan was to keep Sean Gardner and Brett Wachtendorf fresh and safe for the final day of the race, while the rest could stay attentive just in case something good went up the road. As expected the race did come down to a field sprint with Hagens Berman Axeon taking control with 3 laps to go and ultimately leading out their sprinter Michael Rice to victory. Dennis Ramirez was our best placed rider in 16th place with the rest tucked safely in the field. The race truly comes down to today’s Gila Monster Road Race. It is sure to be a day packed with fireworks.
Lionel Mawditt won the Category 1 / 2 race. He attacked up the hill on the backside of the course and held it to the line with enough space to post and give a nod to his sponsors for the race!!!
