OGDEN, Utah (AP) — Rory Sutherland survived four rugged mountain climbs and blistering heat to win the first stage of the Tour of Utah on Tuesday.
The Australian finished the 131.7-mile stage in 5 hours, 25 minutes, 40 seconds. Italy’s Damiano Caruso took second and American Brent Bookwalter was third.
Sutherland emerged from a small group of riders that came off the final climb at the North Ogden pass. After rounding the final corner in downtown Ogden in the pack, he jumped ahead to lead a sprint to the finish in the final 200 meters.
The stage featured 8,939 feet of climbing, second to only the fifth stage in elevation gain.
The six-stage race continues Wednesday with a team trial stage scheduled for Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah.
