Rally Cycling’s Ty Magner sprinted to the win from a three-man breakaway on the first night of St. Louis’s Gateway Cup, the Tour de Lafayette. The victory was Magner’s first since earning the stars and stripes jersey at the US Professional Criterium Championships in June. The Gateway Cup runs from August 31 – September 3 and features four days of action packed criteriums to close out the USA CRITS calendar.
In an interview with VeloNews’ Dane Cash earlier this week, cycling legend and team veteran Brad Huff announced his retirement from professional bicycle racing. The Missouri native has returned home to close out his career in style.
After Magner’s win on the opening night, he revealed his motivation for being at the race.
“It was a blast racing in the jersey, and especially here in MO for Huff’s last race,” said Magner. “I really wanted to get the win for him, and hope to help Huffy win one this weekend.”
On a pancake flat four corner course that is historically known for its field sprints, Magner and company turned the race on its head.
“That might be the first time a break has ever made it on that course,” said Magner. “Thomas Revard (Hagens Berman Axeon) and Griffin Easter (303 Project) were super strong. They both are coming off Utah and CO as well, and all three of us were committed to driving it. I wanted to lead them through the last corner in the sprint as the finish was only about 100 meters out of the last corner, it worked out!”
The Gateway Cup resumes on Friday night with the Tour de Francis Park, a 75-minute twilight criterium in southwest St. Louis. Read Brad Huff’s retirement announcement here.
Tour de Lafayette Criterium Results
MAGNER Tyler Rally Cycling 59:54
EASTER Griffin 303 Project 59:56
REVARD Thomas Hagens Berman Axeon 59:56
GRANIGAN Noah CCB Foundation – Sicler 1:00:06
GRACE Logan Donkey Label 1:00:06
GILLOTT Owen TEAM CLIF BAR Cycling 1:00:06
COLLADO Ismael Unattached 1:00:06
MCGILL Scott Goma Dakwerken 1:00:06
MAGEE Jake Unattached 1:00:06
SERNA Cesar Oklahoma Bicycle Project 1:00:06