February 19, 2017 (Phoenix AZ) – Pacific Premier Bank Cycling Team’s James Piccoli has moved into 2nd place overall after the 151.3km Stage 2 road race in the 25th annual John Earley Memorial Valley of the Sun in Phoenix, AZ. The team rode with an unrelenting resolve and capitalized on the rainy conditions, turning the wind and rain into allies for the day.

The team covered nearly every move and with one lap of the 16-mile course remaining, the elastic finally snapped and Piccoli was away in a 6-man chase in pursuit of a solo breakaway. On the final climb to the finish Piccoli would break free of the chase finishing 2nd on the day, gaining minutes in the General Classification.

Results (brief)

Stage 1 – Feb 17 – ITT –  22.5km

1. Brandon McNulty (USA) Rally Cycling 27:46
2. Andrew Clemence (USA) Landis Trek 0:30
3. George Simpson (USA) Gateway Harley 0:55

12. James Piccoli (Can) Pacific Premier Bank Cycling Team 1:59

Stage 2 – Feb 18 – RR – 151.3km

1. Innokent Zavyalov (USA) Elevate KHS 3:42:46
2. James Piccoli (Can) Pacific Premier Bank Cycling Team  3:08
3. Wouter Zwart (USA) Landis Trek  3:19

12. James Piccoli (Can) Pacific Premier Bank Cycling Team 1:59

GC after Stage 2

1. Innokent Zavyalov (USA) Elevate KHS 4:11:31
2. James Piccoli (Can) Pacific Premier Bank Cycling Team  4:02
3. Wouter Zwart (USA) Landis Trek  4:03