Gretsch outshines Evans at inaugural Pro Cycling Challenge

Germanys Patrick Gretsch earned his first victory on US soil with a surprise performance in the opening prologue of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.The 24-year-old HTC-Highroad rider -- the 41st out of the time-trial start gate -- eclipsed the crowd favourites of Tour de France Champion Cadel Evans, the Schleck brothers of Luxemberg, and American George Hincapie.Gretsch will wear the yellow jersey for the 99.3 miles (159.8 km) first stage from Salida to Crested Butte on Tuesday, which includes one climb that passes 11,300 feet (3,444 m) in elevation, but is unlikely to compete for the overall classification when the Pro Challenge arrives in Denver in Stage 6 on Sunday.Evans and Hincapie for BMC Racing, Christian Vande Velde and David Zabriskie for Team Garmin-Cervelo, and Levi Leipheimer for Team Radioshack are expected to challenge for the title of the inaugural race that will take riders to some of the highest passes in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.At 12,000 feet (3,657 m), every breath brings in only two-thirds of the oxygen that the body would get at sea level. In addition, air temperature drops about 3.5 degrees for every 1000 feet of elevation gain. At 12,000 feet, riders will experience temperatures nearly 40 degrees lower than at sea level.The first such test will come in the 141-mile second stage from Gunnison to Aspen on Wednesday, which has two climbs that will break the 12,000 foot elevation mark along the route.