July 18, 2012 (Rouyn-Noranda, QC) – It was an eventful first stage at the 44th Tour de l’Abitibi, which was departing from the town of Amos and heading towards Rouyn-Noranda, 117.2km. Despite several crashes at the beginning, the athletes of the USA National Team managed to stand out by remaining at the head of the race for two hours. However, it was the newcomer Miguel Byron from Major Motion Selection A who won first place, as well as all the honours, including best first year.
The pack was fairly dispersed all along the race, with numerous falls on the road from Amos to Preissac and in the final criterium in the streets of Rouyn-Noranda. Fortunately, this did not stop three cyclists from the American National team from getting a head start of up to1 minute 45 seconds on the rest of the teams. Curren, Daniel and Eisenhart from the USA National Team managed to keep their breakaway for over 70 km.
Crossing the finish line
In spite of their lead, the three American cyclists were not able to get a place on the podium. Indeed, Miguel Byron from USA Selection A, Alexandre Darville from USA National Team and Medina Robles Gerardo Vincente from Major Motion Development won the three first places, with a total time of 2 hours, 44 minutes and 55 seconds. Miguel Byron stole the show by winning the blue, orange and brown jerseys for best first year, best pointer and best ranked.
Tomorrow, the Mines Aurizon stage
Tomorrow’s race, July 18th, will bring the cyclists to La Sarre for the Mines Aurizon stage, which will take place at 5 pm. The cyclists will complete a distance of 106 km, passing through Duparquet and ending in the hostess city of Rouyn-Noranda at 7:30 pm.
Results (brief)
1. Miguel Bryon (USA) USA Selection A 2:44:50
2. Alexandre Darville (USA) Team USA
3. Gerardo Vicente Medina Robles (Mex) Major Motion Development
4. Owen Logen (USA) Team USA
5. Setthawut Yordsuwan (Tha) Team Thailand
6. Brandon Etzl (Can) Team Canada
7. Benjamin Chartrand (Can) Espoirs QUILICOT
8. Jerome Corneau (Can) Equipe du Québec
9. Lucas Wardein (USA) Southeastern Regional
10. Gregory Ratzell (USA) Young Medalists / Team Rothrock
Full results HERE.