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Stage Seven – Atlanta

ATLANTA Ga. (April 27, 2008) – Thousands of fans lining the streets along Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta witnessed a rising star get his first victory on American soil today. Belarusian rider Kanstantin Sivtsov of Team High Road was crowned the champion of the 2008 Tour de Georgia presented by AT&T, holding on to his four second lead from Saturday. Trent Lowe (AUS) of Slipstream Chipotle presented by H30 finished second in the General Classification, followed by American Levi Leipheimer of Astana in third. Sivtsov’s four-second lead ties the lowest margin of victory at the Tour de Georgia, matching Tom Danielson’s (USA) victory in 2005 and Floyd Landis’ victory in 2006.

High Road scored big in Atlanta with the sprinter Greg Henderson (NZL) winning Stage Seven. It was Henderson’s second stage victory at the Tour, as he also won Stage Three in Gainesville. Second on the stage was Juan Jose Haedo (ARG) of Team CSC and third place went to Andrew Pinfold (CAN) of Symmetrics. Henderson, who also won Stage Three in Gainesville, had the points necessary to take home the sprint crown as the Georgia Power Sprint jersey winner.

“Out team is all about trying to find the top young international talent, bringing them into a good environment, giving them good, experienced riders to work with and management, and then seeing what they can do. And Kasta (Kanstantin) really showed everyone that he’s a real force to be reckoned with in the sport,” said Team High Road owner Bob Stapleton. “This is a great event (Tour de Georgia presented by AT&T). We look for chances to race some high caliber events in the U.S. Events like this are a big international draw. You had a lot of really good talent here. We’re happy to be a part of that.”

Jason McCartney (USA) of Team CSC won the United Community Bank King of the Mountain (KOM) competition for the Tour. He also won the KOM jersey as the best climber of the week at the 2006 Tour de Georgia. Lowe, who wore the yellow jersey one day, won the GE Best Young Rider jersey for the week. Fellow Australian Rory Sutherland was voted the overall Georgia Lottery Most Aggressive Rider.

A total of 106 riders began the day just after a midday rain dampened roads and made conditions difficult for the riders on a twisty six-mile circuit in Atlanta. After 10 full laps for a total of 62.7 miles (100.9 km) through downtown Atlanta and its surrounding neighborhoods, 98 riders crossed the finish line. High Road riders, including 2007 Tour of Missouri winner George Hincapie, surrounded Sivtsov throughout the race to protect the AT&T Overall Leaders jersey.

“It’s not mine, it’s Team High Road,” said Sitvsov about capturing his first victory in the U.S. “It is very good preparation for Giro (d’Italia).” Sitvsov, 25, who was the 2004 Under-23 World Champion and finished 32nd at the 2007 Tour de France, will race in the Giro d’Italia (Tour of Italy) next month, one of the three Grand Tours of professional cycling.

Sunday’s festivities for the Tour began in Centennial Olympic Park with the inaugural Tour de Kids 5K Run/Walk presented by AT&T. The event attracted over 400 runners, with proceeds raising money for the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. For the week, the Tour de Georgia Foundation (which owns the event) and Tour sponsors raised over $500,000 for official beneficiaries, an event record, for both Children’s Healthcare and the Georgia Cancer Coalition.

“It’s really exciting to showcase our beautiful state. We have so much to offer here in Georgia and we are very excited about the beautiful state but also the wonderful southern hospitality that we provide,” said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, who also serves as the chairman of Tour de Georgia Foundation. “The race really is about seeing wonderful racers, but also promoting health and wellness. Our beneficiary this year, Children’s Healthcare, they do a phenomenal job. What a great finish and what a great race.”

Official Results – Top 10 - Stage Seven
Position No. Country Rider Team Time Gap
1. 24 BEL HENDERSON Greg THR 2.23′53″ 10″
2. 16 ARG HAEDO Juan Jose CSC 2.23′53″ 6″
3. 45 CAN PINFOLD Andrew SYM 2.23′53″ 4″
4. 145 USA RODRIGUEZ Fred RRC 2.23′53″
5. 23 GER GREIPEL Andre THR 2.23′53″
6. 62 USA FARRAR Tyler* TSL 2.23′53″
7. 33 ITA GATTO Oscar* GST 2.23′53″
8. 77 USA TOLLESON Taylor* BMC 2.23′53″
9. 136 AUS SANDERSON Nicholas* JBC 2.23′53″
10. 7 AUS KEMPS Aaron AST 2.23′53″

Overall General Classification – FINAL RESULTS
1. 28 BLR 19820809 SIVTSOV Kanstantin THR 22.44′44″
2. 65 AUS 19841008 LOWE Trent* TSL 22.44′48″ 4″
3. 3 USA 19731024 LEIPHEIMER Levi AST 22.44′58″ 14″