LEHI — The final stage of the Tour of Utah was canceled after an attempted start was scratched because of severe thunderstorms, lightning and hail.
Since the time trials had to be called, that left Andrew Bajadali of Team Vitamin Cottage as the overall tour winner. Team Seasilver took the next two spots as Neil Shirley and Blake Swindlehurst finished in second and third.
Bajadali was named King of the Mountain in addition to his overall crown as he finished a compelling climb up Mount Nebo on Sunday. He won the overall title with an 18 second edge over Shirley.
"Burke Swindlehurst, who dedicated his race effort to the United States armed forces, finished third behind teammate Neil Shirley," according to Tour of Utah director of marketing Steve Roberts.
Aimee Vassee of Sportsbook.com reclaimed her lead in the Nebo climb and finished with the overall title for the women after falling behind in the sprint Saturday afternoon. Kris Walker of Logan Race Club used an overall solid effort to snare second, and Darcie Murphy of Ogden One/Heartstrings fell to third after snatching the lead in the sprint on Saturday.
Despite the cancellation of the final event, tour organizers still are planning to extend the race as much as possible next year in an effort to make it one of the biggest road tours in the United States.
With the title sponsorship this year going to Larry H. Miller Sandy Subaru, and plenty of other sponsors anteing up, they believe their goals are within reach.
"I think this race is going to have a lot more people next year," Velo Bella's Suzanne Peters said after her Stage 1 victory. "It's extremely well run and organized. This is the first event I've done in Utah, and I love it."