Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team on the Podium in Final UCI Race

As the last UCI-sanctioned road race in the US for the 2010 season, the Univest Grand Prix is one of the most hotly contested events of the year.  Despite the relatively short distance of 83 miles, the Univest Grand Prix is a race of attrition, with 16 challenging circuits full of turns and multiple small climbs that take their toll on every rider. The Jamis/Sutter Home Men’s Team presented by Colavita was represented by a small but strong and opportunistic team consisting of Tyler Wren, Jackie Simes, Nick Frey and Andy Guptill.  Given the multiple circuit format, which brings out a “criterium” mentality in most riders, the pace was full gas from the gun with very few moments of reprieve.  Tyler Wren seized the first opportunity he could to join a large break of 20 riders that had escaped after several laps.  After chasing for nearly half a lap, Tyler and four other riders finally made contact.  The field was not about to let the break succeed, however, and with five laps remaining, began to chase in earnest.  With just under a lap to go, the last holdouts from the escape were caught, and teams began to set up their sprinters for the kick to the line.  Nick Frey, who had been racing aggressively in the final laps, was in perfect position exiting the last turn.  With several hundred meters to go, Nick opened up his sprint and flew toward the line with everything he had.  The sprint was extremely close, but Nick thrust his bike forward at the line, giving him the extra few centimeters he needed to take 3rd place.  With so many international riders in the race (including the first- and second-place finishers), Nick was also awarded the First American leader’s jersey for his efforts.