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Race report filed by Health Net, presented by Maxxis

Oakland, CA - After consecutive overall stage race titles the past two weeks, Rory Sutherland of the Health Net Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis has opened a commanding lead in the most recent USA Cycling National Racing Calendar individual points standings.

With 976 points, Sutherland has a 569-point lead in the competition, with well more than twice the total of the next closest rider, Ted King (Bissell; 407 points). Sutherland opened the sizable lead by virtue of winning the Joe Martin Stage Race and the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic in consecutive weeks this month.

On the strength of Sutherland’s results, Health Net Presented by Maxxis has also opened up a solid lead in the team standings, with 1,726 points, 512 points ahead of second-place Bissell (1,214).

“Our goal at the start of the year was not to win either of these competitions,” said team directeur sportif Mike Tamayo. “Our goal, as always, has been to win races. When you win races, the other benefits like NRC wins come along with that.”

Phil Zajicek of Health Net Presented by Maxxis is also climbing up the leader board after just his second race back following his diagnosis and treatment for Crohn’s Disease. Zajicek returned to racing earlier this month at the Tour of the Gila. Riding with the support of just one teammate, Roman Kilun, Zajicek rode to a strong 4th place overall, and followed up that result with a 7th overall at Mt. Hood, riding mostly in support of Sutherland to defend his race lead.

“We’re very happy and fortunate to have Phil back and returning to the form we’ve seen him display the past couple years,” Tamayo said. “He had a rough winter and spring, but he’s got a good handle on the Crohn’s and we’re looking forward to good things from him the rest of the way.”
Karl Menzies, John Murphy and Kyle Gritters of Health Net Presented by Maxxis all placed inside the top 25 individually. And with the upcoming NRC schedule heavier with one-day races, those riders will be looking for their opportunities for good results.