Peter Sagan wins 1st stage of USA Pro Challenge in Aspen

ASPEN — Peter Sagan of Slovakia surged to the front just after the final corner and sprinted to a two-bike length win and took the race lead Monday in Stage 1 of the USA Pro Challenge.

Sagan a four-time stage winner in the Tour de France who rides the Italy-based Cannondale team, completed the 60.6-mile, three-lap circuit race in 2 hours, 26 minutes.

Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) of Belgium finished second and Kiel Reijnan (UnitedHealthcare) of the United States was third.

Sagan’s win was his 16th this season and the 54th victory of his five-year pro career.

Chris Froome (Sky) of Great Britain, the reigning Tour de France champion, finished in the main field.