Mara Abbott and the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team protected the yellow jersey on the 5th and final stage of the 2014 Tour of El Salvador today, securing the overall victory.
Mara earned the leader’s jersey on stage 4 with a heroic solo attack up the San Salvador Volcano, gaining an advantage of 2:49 over the next rider and launching her into the General Classification lead by a margin of 2:18. Coming off of Alison Powers’ overall victory at the Tour de San Luis in January, then the team’s multiple podium performances in the Grand Prix series leading up to the Tour of El Salvador, the UnitedHealthcare Blue Train went into the 5-stage tour confident and prepared.
With powerful riders Lauren Tamayo, Ruth Winder, and Hannah Barnes, they were able to protect the climbers and dictate pace when necessary throughout the race. When the road tilted up, the stellar climbing abilities of Katie Hall, Sharon Laws, and Mara Abbott allowed them to cover or launch attacks as needed, setting Mara up for the race lead then protecting it on the final stage.
With the slight downhill and fast 83-kilometer final stage profile, the team’s job was to protect Mara and her yellow jersey, while positioning the sprinters for a final effort at the finish. They accomplished just that, with Hannah Barnes sprinting to 3rd place on the day and Mara safely crossing the line as the overall winner.
Sports Director Rachel Heal commented on the team’s accomplishment, “We knew we had a chance of winning this race with Mara’s great form and the well-balanced roster we’ve assembled. The team rode strong and smart all week, keeping the climbers within striking distance of the yellow jersey. Mara worked her magic with that fantastic solo attack yesterday and the team was able to defend today, with Hannah even earning a podium result in the final sprint! It’s great to work with such a talented and cohesive group of riders, able to work together and create these fantastic results.”
The women of the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team will head to the United States next, to contest the 2014 Redlands Bicycle Classic in California from April 2nd to April 6th.
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