Lowe in Georgia yellowFinishing 9th on the stage with the front group, Trent Lowe moved up to first place in the general classification and took over the yellow leader’s jersey in today’s stage 5 of the 2008 Tour de Georgia. One of the pro peloton’s top climbing talents, the 5′6″, 140-pound Australian is perfectly poised to defend - and further secure - the yellow jersey tomorrow on Brasstown Bald.

“The Tour de Georgia will be decided tomorrow on the climb up Brasstown Bald. It’s going to be a drag race up probably the steepest climb I have ever ridden,” said Trent.

“But I feel like this year’s race has already been a success for our team,” Trent continued. “It’s great to have the leader’s jersey because it represents everyone’s efforts–staff and riders!”

The team’s strength is evident. Slipstream/Chipotle H3O has a stacked hand for tomorrow’s penultimate stage. Along with Lowe, teammates David Zabriskie and Christian Vande Velde in second and third respectively, are tied on overall time. And both David and Christian can climb with the best of them.

And certainly, the team’s other pure climber, Tom Danielson, who is just 17″ down on GC, is also in good position for the stage 6 finish on high.

So be prepared for a full-on Argyle assault on Brasstown!

Stage 5 Results
1. Richard England 5:15′15″

9. Trent Lowe mt
11. David Zabriskie mt
12. Christian Vande Velde mt
24. Tom Danielson +17″
42. Danny Pate +37″
97. Tyler Farrar +15′12″
99. Lucas Euser +15′12″

General Classification
1. Trent Lowe 16:33′29″
2. David Zabriskie mt
3. Christian Vande Velde mt
13. Tom Danielson +17″
30. Danny Pate +59″
97. Tyler Farrar +16′55″
100. Lucas Euser +20′21″

Best Young Rider
1. Trent Lowe 16:33′29″
2. Christian Meier +50″

Sprint Classification
1. Greg Henderson 38 pts
2. Tyler Farrar 30 pts

Team Classification
1. Slipstream/Chipotle H3O 49:40′27″
2. Astana +12″
3. High Road +35″