Chodroff, Miller clinch Valley of the Sun; Garcia, Koch take finale

By Ophir Sefiha

Jonathan Chodroff (OUCH-Maxxis) and Amanda Miller (Lip Smacker) wrapped up the overall titles in the 17th John Earley Memorial Valley of the Sun stage race on Sunday outside Phoenix.

Jose Garcia (Rock Racing) and Shannon Koch (Metro Volkswagen) won the finale, a criterium in the West Valley town of Buckeye that saw both the men’s and women’s races end in two-up sprints.

The 70-minute men’s race was a highly controlled affair that saw few breaks last more than a handful of laps on the 0.8-mile, L-shaped course.

Yet with less than two laps to go, Carter Jones (Waste Management) — who had been away solo for nearly 10 minutes earlier in the race — jumped from the pack, Garcia quickly bridged to him and the peloton’s momentary hesitation was just enough for the two to stay away and contest the finish.

“I was trying to cover breaks and I saw that Bahati was having mechanical problems, so I just followed the attack,” said an elated Garcia.

First-year pro and Phoenix local Jonathan Parrish (Kenda) took third, just a few bike lengths behind a disappointed Carter.

Race leader Chodroff was nearly invisible throughout the race, finishing safely in the pack — which, as it turns out, was exactly his plan.

“I had Bobby (Lea) by my side throughout the race, making me stay calm and not chase everything down and Roman (Kilun) was super strong, just keeping it fast the last couple laps,” said Chodroff.

When the times were tallied, Chodroff retained his 45-second lead over Ben Kneller (Ciclismo Racing). Graham Howard (Bissell) finished third at 58 seconds.

In the 40-minute women’s race, Evelyn Stevens (CRCA) attacked early on and by midrace was joined by Koch. The duo maintained a 30-second lead on the disorganized peloton for the remainder of the race.

At the finish Koch easily outkicked Stevens for the win, and with time bonuses vaulted to seventh overall, 1:34 back.

Miller spent the race keeping the leaders’ gap in check and still had enough energy to take the field sprint for third and collect the GC victory. Moriah McGregor (Team BC) retained second and Melissa McWhirter (Veloforma-ZYM Banks) rounded out the GC podium.

FILED UNDER: Road