Photo by Veronika Lenzi

Justin England Wins 48th Annual Nevada City Classic

(June 17, 2008)

Race report filed by Toyota-United Pro

Bend, OR– Justin England makes late solo attack to claim his first win as a member of the Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team at the Nevada City Classic.  In what is considered by many cycling aficionados to be the toughest one-day race in America, and is the second oldest race in America, the 48th annual Nevada City Classic has been a platform for some of the great American legends of the sport to show their skills and strength over the decades.  Past winners include 3-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond and 7-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong

The 90 minute race was contested on the historical 1.1 mile loop in downtown Nevada City which features the infamous 120 foot stair step climb plus a rolling hill on the back straightaway for a tough 5,000 feet of climbing through the event.  After 45 minutes of non-stop attacks, England was able to breakaway with Scott Nydam (BMC), the two worked together to increase their lead over the hard chasing field for the remainder of the race.  However, with 3 laps to go, England wanted to make certain to win the race as he did back in 2004 so he attacked Nydam down the home straight reaching speeds of over 50MPH.  “Once I got a small two bike length gap on Scott, I just drilled it up the hill and extended my lead to about 10 seconds” said England.  I saw with less than a lap to go Scott was making his way back to me, so I gave it more juice and won by a comfortable margin and got that monkey off my back with my first win on the team and in 3 years”. 

“I’m so proud of Justin’s win today, since I know how difficult that race is having competed in it myself on a few occasions over the years going back to 1980”. Said Team Owner Sean Tucker.  “I remember when Greg LeMond won the race in 1980 when he came back from Europe in his Renault-Gitane team kit and he looked like such a euro pro at that time and just rode away from everyone and lapped the field except one Toby Powers”.  Tucker continued, “For Justin to win this race on my watch means a lot to me personally, since I was never able to do it myself, this is about as close as I will ever come”.

2008 Results Nevada City Classic:
1.Justin England  Toyota-United
2. Scott Nydam BMC
3. Graham Howard Bissell Pro Cycling Team     

For rider, staff interviews or general information, please contact:

Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team:                     
Sean P. Tucker
Office: 541-318-8491
Cell: 541-390-5981
sean@toyota-united.com

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