The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis continued its preparations ahead of the first NRC race later this month in the opening time trial stage of the Tour of Murietta.

The team got off to a dominant start, taking the top four positions in the race, as well as 6th and 7th places.

“This first stage was a good chance for the guys to get on their new Kuota Kween K TT bikes under race conditions,” said team Directeur Sportif Gord Fraser. “It gives the guys a chance to verify their position on the bikes, and fine-tune their warm-up protocols.”

Rory Sutherland led the charge to the top of the podium, with Karl Menzies and Roman Kilun taking the next two spots, just three seconds back. Chris Baldwin slotted into 4th place at 0:15 back. Tim Johnson and Matt Crane took 6th and 7th respectively.

UnitedHealthcare Presented by Maxxis will continue their preparation Saturday with a 90-minute grand prix in downtown Murietta, followed by a 60-mile circuit race to close out the weekend. The NRC calander begins with the Redlands Classic on March 25.