Cycling is always unpredictable and this was the case in the last leg of the Joe Martin Stage Race, when the American Riley Sheehan (Denver Disruptors) took advantage of a strikeout from the Colombian Miguel Ángel “Supermán” López (Team Medellín-EPM) and was crowned champion of the contest, when everything seemed to be in the hands of the South American.
Sheehan won the last stage and took the lead on the fourth and final day from “Superman” López, who had taken over the leader’s jersey after winning the time trial the day before, but had no luck this Sunday, puncturing the last lap.
With the 10 seconds of bonus that Sheehan obtained, Supermán López moved to second place overall; while Tyler Stites (Project Echelon Racing) edged past Kyle Murphy (Los Angeles L39ION) to clinch third place on the podium.
“It was an incredible fight. a heads up in each sprint. He had my number and I had his number all day. It all came down to the bonus sprints,” Riley said of his duel with the Colombian beetle, after receiving the award from him.
In the final 62.8-kilometer stage victory, criterium-style, held this Sunday in Fayetteville, Arkanzas, Sheehan won the pack, ahead of Bryan Gomez (Miami Nights) from Tulu and Simon Daniels (UNC Lotto Max) from Belgium. .
Team Medellín-EPM was the best team in the Joe Martin Stage Race 2023; while in other classifications Riley Sheehan also dominated by being a leader in the mountains (14 units), in the points (with 51). Finally, Caleb Classen was the best in the youth category.
Walmart Joe Martin Stage Race (2.2)
Results stage 4 | Fayetteville–Fayetteville (62.8 km)
1 Riley Sheehan Denver Disruptors 1:21:59
2 Bryan Steve Gomez Miami Nights ,,
3 Simon Daniels UNC Lotto Max ,,
Final General Classification
1.- Riley Sheehan Denver Disruptors 8:09:17
2.- Miguel Ángel López Team Medellín – EPM 0:16
3.- Tyler Stites Project Echelon Racing 0:49