Tejay van Garderen of BMC Racing moved a big step closer to defending his USA Pro Challenge title by setting a course record in the time trial Saturday. The 26-year-old Van Garderen zipped through the 10-mile course that included a climb up Vail Pass in 24 minutes, 26 seconds, breaking the mark he set last year. Van Garderen has a 1:32 advantage over Fort Lewis College alumnus Tom Danielson of Team Garmin-Sharp heading into the final stage. The weeklong competition ends in downtown Denver on Sunday. Van Garderen entered the day with a 20-second lead over Rafal Majka of Tinkoff-Saxo, but Majka finished 1:29 back in the time trial to drop farther behind in the overall standings. Danielson moved into second place with his performance Saturday. Danielson beat his own personal best time by 45 seconds in the time trial, earning him high praise from his fellow competitors.
Tejay van Garderen of BMC Racing moved a big step closer to defending his USA Pro Challenge title by setting a course record in the time trial Saturday. The 26-year-old Van Garderen zipped through the 10-mile course that included a climb up Vail Pass in 24 minutes, 26 seconds, breaking the mark he set last year. Van Garderen has a 1:32 advantage over Fort Lewis College alumnus Tom Danielson of Team Garmin-Sharp heading into the final stage. The weeklong competition ends in downtown Denver on Sunday. Van Garderen entered the day with a 20-second lead over Rafal Majka of Tinkoff-Saxo, but Majka finished 1:29 back in the time trial to drop farther behind in the overall standings. Danielson moved into second place with his performance Saturday. Danielson beat his own personal best time by 45 seconds in the time trial, earning him high praise from his fellow competitors.Jerilee Bennett/The Colorado Springs Gazette file photo