The pro peloton returned to racing the past couple of weeks opening the 2017 campaign in warm weather climates.  That’s a good thing right there for cycling fans as the winter’s grip lessens across the US and Europe.  Although finding legal live feeds, and illegal ones as well has made it difficult to watch these races in Argentina, Australia, France, Spain and Dubai, recaps and video clips tease, race reports by cycling media outlets tell a story of top riders on new teams coming away with nice victories.

Top billing for American fans should be UnitedHealthcare’s Travis McCabe winning stage 3 in Australia at the Jayco Sun Tour Race.  McCabe moved over from Holowesko-Citadel to fulfill the role of departed sprinter John Murphy and duplicated Murph’s fine win at the same race a year ago.  That’s a quality win for a pro conti team taking on some in form Australians and World Tour teams.

Tony Martin earned a rare road race victory for his new team, Katusha-Alpecin at the Volta a la Comunitat Valencia stage 2 by attacking his breakaway group and soloing to the line.