May 7, 2006 – The Stage 4 criterium at the Tour of the Gila took place on the streets of Silver City, New Mexico yesterday. American rider Rahsaan Bahati (TIAA-CREF) stole the win out from under the wheels of Canada’s Gord Fraser (Health Net p/b Maxxis) who, convinced of his win, had already raised his arms in victory.

Fraser’s “bad day” began earlier when in a breakaway on lap three of the 40-lap race a verbal battle took place between himself and others in the attack. As a result of the mini scrap, the breakaway dissolved and was caught by the main pack, thus ending in a bunch sprint finish.

Dominique Perras (KodakGallery.com/Sierra Nevada), also present in the would-be breakaway finished with the same time as winner Bahati.

Chris Baldwin (Toyota-United) still holds the overall lead in the GC with a 22-second lead over Scott Moninger (Health Net p/b Maxxis). The overall victory is still up for grabs however, as the arduous final 170 km Stage 5, filled with Category 1 and 2 climbs, awaits riders on Sunday.