Basso Makes Rare US Appearance to Race in Utah

August 3, 2014 – North America has always been kind to Cannondale Pro Cycling and August 4th through August 10th, Cannondale Pro Cycling will kick off its North American summer swing at the Tour of Utah.

peloton/Yuzuru Sunada

While Peter Sagan has typically been the rider delivering US or Canadian results it’s Ivan Basso that will be leading Cannondale Pro Cycling in Utah. After a disappointing Giro and skipping the Tour de France, Basso is looking for redemption in the US.

“I’m really excited to come back racing in the U.S. after two years,” said the Italian rider. “It’s my first time at Tour of Utah, but I’ve heard positive comments on the race. American races are always very challenging, and the route of the race is pretty demanding. I hope to get a great result for our American fans.”

Cannondale Pro Cycling’s team has been selected to support Basso in the mountains with George Bennett, who rode very well in Utah last season, leading the domestiques which include young gun Matej Mohoric, and Cristiano Salerno. Alan Marangoni, Cameron Wurf and Juraj Sagan will be tasked with duty on the front before the true climbing starts should Cannondale find themselves in a strong GC position.

The squad and support staff, including team director Alberto Volpi have been on the ground in Utah since the 27th of July to acclimate to the altitude. With multiple summits over 10,000′ Utah features extreme altitudes rarely seen in European racing.

“We would like to attend the Tour of Utah at our best,” said Volpi. “It was really important for us to have a few days to get acclimated – riders were able to train well and to take confidence with the weather.”