Climbing specialist Janier Acevedo powered his way to victory in the fourth stage of the USA Pro Challenge as Tejay van Garderen grabbed the overall leader’s yellow jersey.
Colombia’s Acevedo, of team Jamis-Hagens Berman, on Thursday finished the 166-kilometre (103-mile) stage from Steamboat Springs to the ski resort of Beaver Creek in four hours, nine minutes and eight seconds.
After a steep climb, he edged out runner-up van Garderen (BMC Racing) by just a half wheel at the finish line.
Van Garderen took the yellow leader’s jersey in the seven-day tour. Mathias Frank (BMC Racing) was third in the stage and Tom Danielson (Garmin-Sharp) finished fourth.
Van Garderen leads Frank in the overall standings by just four seconds. Acevedo is third, 30 seconds adrift and Danielson is fourth, 40 seconds behind.
Reigning Tour de France champion Chris Froome finished well back in Thursday’s stage and is sitting in 87th overall, almost 35 minutes back of van Garderen.
The third USA Pro Challenge continues Friday with the 16-kilometre stage five time trial at Vail Pass.
Acevedo wins fourth stage of USA Pro Challenge
