April 30/00 7:12 am - Fullana Wins Houffalize

Posted by Editor on 04/30/00
 

Fullana Takes Houffalize

Margarita Fullana (Subaru-Specialized) has just taken the third round of the women's World Cup in Houffalize, Belgium. After early leader Alison Dunlap (GT) flatted, Fullana went to the front and did not look back, holding off newcomer Corrine Dorland (Be One) to win by 21 seconds. Mary Grigson (Gary Fisher-Saab) took third, and Dunlap fourth. World Cup leader Alison Sydor (Volvo-Cannondale) finished 11th.

Neil Ross, who is with the national team, and reporting back by cellphone, managed to grab Lesley Tomlinson (RLX Polosport) as she crossed the finish line (low 20s, he thinks). Between gasps for air (and what sounded like coughing up a lung...), Lesley talked for a couple of minutes:

"It's hard out there! The race started really fast, with a big group at the front. I thought I was holding my position, but obviously there were a bunch people up front. The course was awesome - the rain left it slightly tacky, with a few slippery spots, so it was really fast. The amount of climbing made it really tough - you were constantly going up and down."

Both Lesley and Neil said that the combined women's and men's races on the same day has meant incredible crowds.

Unofficial Results:

1. Margarita Fullana (Subaru-Specialized)
2. Corrine Dorland (Be One)
3. Mary Grigson (Gary Fisher-Saab)
4. Alison Dunlap (GT)
5. Elsabeth Vink
6. Paola Pezzo (Gary Fisher-Saab)
7. Sophie Villenueve
8. Barb Blatter
9. Anne Trombley
11. Alison Sydor (Volvo-Cannondale)
12. Alla Epifanova (Volvo-Cannondale)

The men's race is due to start in about 30 minutes.