Morton climbs to Utah victory on Empire Pass

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PARK CITY, Utah (VN) — Lachlan Morton (Jelly Belly) dropped his rivals on the slopes of Empire Pass and then plummeted to the finish line in Park City to win the final stage and overall at the Tour of Utah.

Morton’s attack at the base of the 3,211-foot climb erased a 22-second gap to overnight leader Andrew Talansky (Cannondale – Drapac), who slipped from first to third overall. Axeon Hagens Berman rider Adrien Costa, who finished second on the stage, moved up to second overall.

As he rode up the final 500-meter ascent in downtown Park City, Morton pumped his fist jubilantly, before collapsing into the arms of his soigneur after the finish line. After the stage, Morton said he expended all of his energy on Empire Pass.

“I’ve never really gone that deep before — I thought I was actually going to die there for a second,” Morton said. “I had my eyes closed for an extended period of time [on Empire Pass].”

Morton entered the final day having seen is lead erased by Talansky on the slopes of Little Cottonwood Canyon during Saturday’s sixth stage 6. Morton admitted he had hesitated when Talansky attacked up the six-mile climb.

At the start line of Sunday’s stage 7, Morton said his goal was to go for broke on Empire Pass.

“It means risking my spot on the podium,” Morton said before the stage. “Second would be nice. A win is why we’re here.”

Morton nearly missed his chance at a showdown on Empire Pass entirely. Midway through the 125-km …

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