April 9/08 10:15 am - Update on François Parisien's Crash at Redlands

Posted by Editoress on 04/9/08
 

Update on François Parisien's Crash at Redlands
Courtesy Symmetrics

On the final day of Redlands, Symmetrics Cycling was looking to at least podium on the overall with François Parisien. The Quebec rider was having a strong ride and was sitting third overall. The team knew that it was possible that he could jump up into second, so 10km into the race Eric Wolhberg and Andrew Pinfold were starting to lead out Frank for a time bonus sprint and, just as the speed was ramping up, a rider moved right in on the leadout and took Frank down. 40 riders - including Parisien and Andrew Randell, were caught up in the crash.

It took Frank two minutes to get going again as the team waited. The S-Team chased hard but they could not get back to the leading group which was hammering, minutes ahead. Christian (Meier) was the sole rider that was in the lead group so it was a disappointing end for Symmetrics' newest rider - a crash ended his chance at another top result for the team.

Parisien was obviously upset, since not only was a third place lost, but a possible second. Had he won the time bonus, the rider would have jumped the G.C. ladder further. "I am pretty depressed about the crash today," he said after the race. "But that is the sport of cycling. It happens to the best of riders. I am sad to have lost the podium spot as the team really worked hard for me. On the other hand, I was really impressed with the valiant effort my new team mates put in to get me back to the front."