Fayetteville, ARK - Gord Fraser of the Health Net Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis succeeded in winning one stage and finishing second in another at the Tour of the Gila last week with the help of just two teammates. Friday at the first stage of the Joe Martin Stage Race, he had three more teammates to help, and took advantage to win the uphill sprint ahead of Ivan Stevic (Toyota-United).

Fraser benefited for much of the 110-mile stage from having teammate Nathan O'Neill in the main, eight-man break of the day. But when the break reached the foot of the main climb, an 11-mile grind covering 1,350 feet of elevation gain, the break broke apart, and Fraser's teammates were forced to chase on the run-in to the finish back in Fayetteville.

Fraser also had to contend with a late attack by Sean Sullivan (Toyota-United) and a covering move by Caleb Manion (Jelly Belly). Fraser stayed within striking distance, then launched his own attack to get around Sullivan and Manion, while ensuring Stevic was unable to get around him at the finish.

"The guys did a lot of work to bring the break back," Fraser told Cycling News. "It was a tough day. We only have a six-man team here, but we are used to that now."

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