Minneapolis, MN - After picking up momentum from big wins at the Reading Classic and the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship, the Health Net Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis rolled into the Nature Valley Grand Prix at speed, putting four riders in the top five of the opening 4.5-mile time trial, with Nathan O'Neill on top, then in Stage 2, launching Greg Henderson to his fifth win in little more than two weeks since his return to racing. In Stage 3, someone finally found a way to slow them down a little.

In this case, it was Mother Nature.

The skies opened Friday evening, with heavy rains, hail and lightening shortening the 60-minute criterium to just under 19 minutes. Until then, Health Net Presented by Maxxis was controlling the front of the race in the rotten conditions, keeping the pace high and stringing out the field, mainly as a safety precaution.

Only a few riders attempted to attack early, including Bernard Van Ulden (Navigators), who was sitting third overall, tied on time with Karl Menzies of Health Net Presented by Maxxis. However, despite opening a decent gap, he began having trouble in the corners and by his second solo lap, had disappeared from the front of the race.

With lightning overhead, much to the joy of the majority of the field, the race officials rang the bell for last lap just 17 minutes into the race. Forty-something Midwest cycling legend Steve Tilford saw an opportunity and attacked, opening enough of a gap to cruise in for the rain-soaked win. Henderson and Gord Fraser rolled in a few seconds later, giving Henderson additional bonus seconds to go with the three he picked up at the first bonus sprint, solidifying his lead on Van Ulden.

Nathan O'Neill had no trouble retaining his yellow jersey, and was one of the most animated in agreeing with the officials' decision to shorten the race.

Notes

With his win in Stage 2, Henderson took over the lead in the points competition. He got a stronger hold on the green jersey in Stage 3 with his second-place finish.

The race continues Saturday with the rolling 86-mile Mankato Road Race.

Official Results