July 2/06 6:51 am - Road National Championships: Criterium

Posted by Editoress on 07/2/06
 

Symmetrics dominated the men's criterium at the National Championships, taking 1-2-3, led by Cam Evans. In the women's race, Anne Samplonius (Biovail) finally managed to beat Alexandra Wrubleski (H&R Block), after finishing second to her in both the time trial and the road race.

The women raced in rain, which made for slippery conditions on the tight circuit. Gina Grain (Colavita) started the action with an attack, but cramped, opening the door for Samplonius and Wrubleski to lap the field. In the final lap Wrubleski attacked, but slid in the final corner, forcing her to slow down and allowing Samplonius to sneak by for the victory. Grain hung for third, with Amy Moore (T-Mobile) fourth.

"The course was very technical and fast, which was perfect for me" said Samplonius.

In the men's race, Evans and team mate Svein Tuft lapped the field and then cruised to victory, with another symmetrics team mate, Andrew Pinfold, taking third. Martin Gilbert (Kodakgallery.com-Sierra Nevada) was fourth.

"Svein and I were able to ride away" explained Evans, who is coming back from a long absence while recovering from a knee injury. "I'm really happy with all my racing at these championships. It proves that I'm back in shape now; I'm back to 85% at this point."