March 18/12 12:13 pm - San Dimas Stage Race: Women Stage 2

Posted by Editoress on 03/18/12
 

The weather bullied its way to center stage today. Howling gale force winds, torrential rain and chilly temperatures joined the 65 strong field for the 56 mile rolling road race today. Crashes hindered the first lap followed by a strong attack on the climb, resulting in a break of four, Clara Hughes, Olivia Dillon, Alison Powers and Joelle Numainville. These riders got a good gap quite quickly.

Exergy TWENTY12 got to the front and closed in, giving Kristin Armstrong an opportunity to bridge across, she did this by drilling it at the front, absolutely splintering the field and made her way to the break. Shortly after this Exergy TWENTY12 Best Young Rider, Tayler Wiles was tangled in a crash and had to pull out of the race. She is doing ok but was extremely disappointed to end her race this way.

Unfortunately Olivia Dillon in the break, had a mechanical and lost contact with the break, leaving the original three riders plus Kristin. The group of four eventually got over 5 minutes on the peloton.

There was confusion at the finish as the leaders went through for the final lap actually not knowing that the officials were calling the race a lap early. They continued racing for almost another full lap. As Kristin had literally led the breakaway for 4 laps she crossed the line first on every lap including the 'final' lap and was awarded the well earned win. The officials gave instruction to the peloton that they were on their final lap also and Exergy TWENTY 12’s Pascale Schnider took the field sprint for 5th place.

"Weather conditions made it a tough, tough day. By the end of the race my fingers and toes were frozen. The Exergy TWENTY12 girls did a great job of helping me get to the break. Unfortunately Taylor got caught up in a crash and was forced to abandon. I'm proud of the way the girls rode though and hopefully tomorrow we'll have dry roads."

Heading into the final stage, the San Dimas Classic, the GC is led by Kristin Armstrong with Clara Hughes 38 seconds back, Joelle Numainville at 1:17 and Alison Powers at 1:37. The 55 minute criterium will prove to be a fast one with intermediate time bonuses.

Not only did the riders of The Exergy TWENTY12 team brave the elements today, it was all hands on deck in the feed zone and pit resulting in a lot of soggy people. Great teamwork from riders and staff today!

Exergy Twenty12 press release