SRAM RED-equipped Rory Sutherland (Team OUCH) waited until the final lap of the final stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix to make a move that would prove perfection.

The lanky rider put his team on the front of a peleton that had been well-controlled by then overall leader Tom Zirbel’s Bissell squad. Team OUCH then punched it up the final climb, Sutherland sprung free.

Sutherland immediately caught a small but tenuous break and disregarded the stage and pulled the final lap to the line. With 16 seconds in hand at the finish the OUCH leader took the victory by a mere three.

The plan, according to team director Mike Tamayo, was to wait until the final three laps and go as hard as possible and push it over the Chilkoot climb, hoping to spring Sutherland at some point. Zirbel (Bissell) was unable to respond in time and let the title slip away.

Sutherland’s win was his second consecutive win at Nature Valley.

The GC podium was Sutherland claiming the win, Zirbel second, and Sebastien Haedo (Colavita) in third place.

1. Rory SUTHERLAND OUCH pb Maxxis — SRAM RED in 9.28:29
2. Tom ZIRBEL Bissell Pro Cycling in 9.28:32
3. Lucas Sebastian HAEDO Colavita/sutter Home P/b Cooking Light in 9.28:50 at 21
4. Tyler WREN Colavita/sutter Home P/b Cooking Light in 9.28:58 at 29
5. Anthony COLBY Colavita/sutter Home P/b Cooking Light in 9.29:04 at 35