I was asked the other day if if Jonathan’s comment on Matt’s ride was an accurate statement. So I decided to run the numbers and see who has spent the most time in the yellow jersey on the Road Challenge for the last 3 years.
A couple of things to note: (1) this doesn’t take into account when people posted their rides or (2) when people signed up. Other than those two caveats, it should be pretty accurate.
2011 Road Challenge – Days in Yellow
Men:
Matt Polk | 56 |
Bruce Gustafson | 14 |
Franco on Tour (winner) | 12 |
Jonathan Woodbury | 8 |
Jeff Lloyd | 1 |
Jim Doane | 1 |
Women:
jessica sharpe | 66 |
Nancy Deans (winner) | 26 |
2012 Road Challenge – Days in Yellow
Men:
Michael Mardosz (winner) | 53 |
Jack Nosco | 13 |
Scott Lundy | 8 |
Erik Niemann | 8 |
Joseph Keays | 8 |
Buz Fulton | 2 |
Eric Foltz | 2 |
PJ Mazziliano | 1 |
Women:
Debbie Knickman | 42 |
Fiona Petersen | 32 |
Uyen Nguyen | 8 |
Mary Bouchard (winner) | 5 |
Melissa Buches | 4 |
Karen Johnson | 3 |
Tink . | 1 |
2013 Road Challenge – Days in Yellow (as of today)
Men:
Erik Niemann | 22 |
Scott Lundy (leader) | 17 |
Bear Thompson | 17 |
Dan Turner | 12 |
Matt Polk | 11 |
Scott Wesson | 4 |
Dave Buches | 2 |
Steve Barson | 1 |
Douglas Kubler | 1 |
Women:
Sharon Ignarro | 54 |
Heidi Christensen (leader) | 28 |
Victoria The Explorer | 5 |
Conclusion
So yes, while Matt wasn’t ever in the Yellow jersey last year, he has spent more time wearing the yellow over the last three years than anyone else. Jessica Sharpe has the most for the women with one less than Matt.