June 5/05 3:48 am - Wachovia Liberty Classic

Posted by Editoress on 06/5/05
 

Wachovia Liberty Classic Philadelphia PA
Report by By Leigh Hargrove

The women's event here today in Philadelphia gave local crowds an exciting show of racing at the Women's Liberty Classic.

During lap one a mid-pack crash took out about twenty riders but no one appeared to be seriously hurt. Following the mayhem, the main field split up into a few groups just before the climb up Manuyonk Wall. With QOM points up for grabs twice a lap, the speed picked up and a group of 12 riders peeled off the front of the pack. This break opened up a one-minute gap on its chasers. Without a Neunberger rider up front, the gap was brought down to twenty seconds at the bottom of the hill with current World Champion Judith Arndt leading the chase.

Over the crest of the hill five more riders were able to bridge the gap up to the lead breakaway group. With 17 women up front and all the major teams represented except for Colavita-Cooking Oil the break became a sure thing and opened up a minute on their pursuers.

With some of the world's top sprinters in this break the sprint finish was exciting for everyone. In the end Ina Teutenberg (T-Mobile) had the legs and took the sprint over Neunberger's Regina Schleicher and Quark's Laura Van Gilder.