HTC-Columbia's Michael Rogers (AUS) withstood an onslaught of attacks at the finale of cycling’s eight-day Amgen Tour of California on Sunday, May 23, to take the biggest victory in his career.
With the whole peloton split to pieces by a tough climb up from Malibu, the 30-year-old finished safely to retain his overall leader’s yellow jersey.
“It was a really tough race,” said Rogers. “I knew the last stage of wasn't going to be a walk in the park, but I didn't realise it would be that tough.
“It was obvious early on that (other teams) were going to attack so we were ready for it. They really stuck it to us and I'm happy that we could hold on. It was a really tough course.
HTC-Columbia are the world’s most successful professional cycling team and train using Suunto t6c heart rate monitors, Comfort Belts and Road Bike PODs, which are compatible with SRM Power Cranks.
“I'm very pleased that I could rely so much on my team this week. It's amazing what a team can do together when they have the yellow jersey. They really stepped up to the occasion to win this tour.”
Earlier in the tour, Mark Cavendish won a bunch sprint to take the first stage, completing a return to form and winning his third race of the year.
Rogers' success in California confirms a remarkable season for the Australian, having already won Tour of Andalusia earlier in the season and holding the leaders jersey in Tour of Romandy last month.
“I made a lot of changes this year with my training and my approach to cycling and winning this tour is really a very satisfying step for me.”
Rogers’ win now puts him among the favourites for the Tour de France, which begins in July and is the team’s major goal for the 2010 season.
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