Image: Andy Bokanev
The USA Pro Challenge was a tough baptism of high-level and high-altitude racing for Rapha Condor JLT's young team, who travelled to Colorado to compete in one of America's top races last week. After a tough start for the Men in Black, their riders were soon involved in the action – with Richard Handley forming part of the race winning move on stage 5 to Breckenridge, where he eventually finished in 8th place, and Hugh Carthy being part of the day's main break on stage 7 to Denver, before being caught by a Garmin Sharp led peloton, determined to set up a bunch sprint for Alex Howes.
The races is one of the highest in the world, scaling 3,500m to pass over mountains in amongst some of the most stunning scenery we've ever seen. Whilst at the race the team enlisted photographer Andy Bokanev to cover their journey, you can see his work on the team Facebook page and his own blog.
Friend of Condor, Elcyclista, bumped into the team when he visited the stage stage in Boulder and has put online a photo essay from stage 3 which saw the race pass over Monarch Mountain.
Both managed the capture the awesome scenery the race had to offer.
