It’s difficult to put into words what a seamless day the Aevolo team had at the Tour of Utah. From Luis Villalobos stepping up to another level to finish fourth on the stage to Gage Hecht voted fan favorite as “most promising rookie,” stage 2 was truly magical for the team.

 
“Luis was incredible,” team director Mike Creed said after the stage. “A breakthrough moment for him. I’m so proud and excited for him.”
 
Villalobos’ result boosts him into 12th place overall, 50 seconds back on race leader Sepp Kuss (Lotto NL Jumbo).
 
“I’m so happy,” Villalobos said. “So excited, for everyone. It was a great day for the team. It’s four more days so I just say, let’s go champ.”
 
Stage 2 featured the massive Mt. Nebo climb, which meant plenty of teams wanted in the early break of the day. Michael Hernandez made it into a group of six that eventually opened a gap of four minutes and 30 seconds before they reached the base of the 17 kilometer climb.
 
“It was nice to be able to find my way into the main break, Hernandez said. “When Creed saw that the race was on behind he relayed the order to (team co-director) Jono (Coulter) to tell me to attack the break and go for a jab at the most aggressive rider jersey. I launched a couple times, but in the end was unable to match the pace of some of the more established riders in the break.
 
“Once I came unhitched I got the order to go back for Alex (Hoehn) and Gage (Hecht) to try to get them as close to the group as possible. The work I did in the break just adds to the amazing day the team had with Luis finishing fourth and Gage winning the fan favorite jersey for most promising rookie.”
 
While the race was in full swing, fans voted Hecht into the Fan Favorite jersey, a special daily honor exclusive to the Tour of Utah.
 
“It was quite a surprise to come back to the care to find I was awarded the fan favorite jersey, because I didn’t expect to wear any jersey at the Tour of Utah,” Hecht said. “This one is really all thanks to all of you out there who support me. I can’t wait to wear it with pride in tomorrow’s stage.”