HECHT UPSETS SPRINTERS AT COLORADO CLASSIC  

Gage Hecht is having an incredible season. First, it was wins in the U23 time trial and criterium earlier this June, and now, it’s a stage win at the prestigious Colorado Classic. Hecht continues to prove why he’s one of the most promising U23 riders in the country. 

 

On paper, the opening stage of the Colorado Classic looked primed for the sprinters. However, the Parker, Colorado native had other plans during the 103km circuit race. On his way to scooping up precious points in the King of the Mountains competition, Hecht found himself in a dangerous breakaway with Pascal Eenkhorn (LottoNL-Jumbo), Alex Cataford (UnitedHealthcare), and Niklas Eg (Trek-Segafredo). On the last lap, Hecht attacked once more on the KOM to pad his lead in the competition, and ended up off the front of the race by 20 seconds in the final kilometers.

 

With a disorganized peloton unable to chase down Hecht, the 20-year-old celebrated the biggest win of his career, along with collecting the leader, points, the best young rider’s jersey and the king of the mountains jersey.

 

“This is just an incredible feeling,” Hecht said after the race. “It’s been my dream to win here in Colorado, my home state in front of my family and friends who have come out to support me.”

 

In the bunch sprint, Michael Hernandez finished seventh.