May 1/11 13:54 pm - US Crits Speedweek: Terrapin Twilight Criterium men's results

Posted by Editoress on 05/1/11
 

UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team Returns to US Racing with a Bang as Boy Van Poppel Takes Second at the 2011 Athens Twilight Criterium

The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team marked its return to racing in the United States tonight at the 32nd Annual Athens Twilight Criterium in Athens, Georgia, and the Blue Train did not disappoint. Dutch speedster Boy Van Poppel (NED) took control of the race early and helped lead the highly-charged first year Pro Continental squad to a second place finish in front of what proved to be nothing short of an electrifying crowd in Athens. Van Poppel's podium visit marks the Team's 9th overall on the year and 24th top 10 finish of the season.

"Tonight, this Team rode an excellent race and we are proud of their effort," said General Manager and Team Director Mike Tamayo. "We've been racing in Europe for the past few months and the hard miles the guys have put in over there paid off tonight. They did an excellent job leading Boy Van Poppel out and Boy did his job getting us on the podium. We congratulate Luca Damiani (Team Kenda) tonight's winner, who rode well and was just a bit quicker than Boy."

When asked about his second place finish, Van Poppel stated, "I'm happy with my performance. This crowd was amazing and the energy level kept us going throughout the race. My Teammates were incredible and fortunately, we were able to do what we set out to do. This is going to be a great week and we're looking forward to tomorrow."

Van Poppel leads a UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team roster that includes last year's (2010) Athens Twilight Criterium champion, Karl Menzies (AUS), along with Adrian Hegyvary (USA), Hilton Clarke (AUS), Jonny Clarke (AUS), Jake Keough (USA), Andrew Pinfold (CAN), and Brad White (USA).

But before they took to the streets of Athens this evening the Team made a special visit to the children in the pediatric ward of Athens Regional Medical Center earlier this morning. "Visiting the kids at the hospital was a great experience for all involved. We always want to make sure we are inspiring and giving back to the kids every chance we get," said Tamayo. "Our title sponsor, UnitedHealthcare's UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation (UHCCF), is the nonprofit organization we support. Riding for the kids tonight meant a lot to us so it was great having the opportunity to share with them this morning then race well tonight. Hopefully, that will inspire them even more."

Press release