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Keough takes 3rd at Tour de San Luis
by Wesley Mallette

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Published: 01/24/2012

Jauna Koslay, Argentina – Jake Keough (USA) of the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team, followed up his 9th place finish yesterday in Stage 1 of Argentina’s Tour de San Luis, by rocketing to a 3rd place finish today in Stage 2.

In what turned out to be a fast and furious photo finish following the 145.3km jaunt from Fraga to Juana Koslay, Keough’s effort was bested only by the duo of Pro Tour sprinters from Omega Pharma-Quick Step, teammates Francesco Chicchi (Ita) and Tom Boonen (Bel), who took first and second respectively. With his win today, Chicchi has now captured the first two stages of the Tour de San Luis, and sits atop the general classification as the overall race leader.

Fresh off of a breakout year in 2011, Keough is picking up where he left off – in a bunch sprint finish and battling for the top spot on the podium. His third place finish was impressive as the speedster from Sandwich, Massachusetts topped some notable fast men, including Movistar’s Francisco Ventoso (Spa)and AG2R-LaMondiale’s Jimmy Casper (Fra). With his podium result today, Keough moved up to 3rd place in the general classification, behind Saxo Bank’s Juan Jose (J.J.) Haedo (Arg) and overall leader, Chicchi.

Commenting on Keough’s podium finish, General Manager and Director, Mike Tamayo stated, “I said it when we contracted Keough again for the years to come that he is one of the fastest guys in the world. Give him time to finish developing and the top step of the podium will be his."

Speaking on his Team’s performance, Tamayo, added, “This was a great test for our guys. We did not win today, but we will soon enough. What matters today is execution. The boys are working on how to win not just in San Luis but how to win throughout the season. We are here to learn to win as a Team, make mistakes as a Team, and grow as a Team.”

Tamayo continued, “I’m proud of their effort. Jeff Louder (USA) did an incredible job with 5km to go of keeping the sprinters in position. And Robert Förster (Ger) amazes me with his ability to be so unselfish and use his power and knowledge for this Team. This is truly an unselfish group of guys.”

UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team roster for the 2012 Tour de San Luis:

Robert Förster (Ger)

Jake Keough (USA)

Jonny Clarke (Aus)

Ben Day (Aus)

Adrian Hegyvary (USA)

Jeff Louder (USA)

Jason McCartney (USA)

Jay Thomson (RSA)

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