July 27/99 11:41 am - Report From France

Posted by Editor on 07/27/99
 

Canadian Women in France

Lynn Barry has forwarded us information on a Canadian National Team project currently in France (courtesy Heather Cole). The women are doing the Haute Vienne, a preparation event for Boucle Feminin.

Stage 1, 82 km - 2 major climbs; one long, the other steep. The peleton broke apart on the second lap, with 20 in front of a group of 3 by 2 minutes.

13. Heather Cole at 2:00
29. Amy Jarvis 8:40
Julie Hutsebaut and Stacey Spencer both s.t.

Stage 2, 100 km - hilly race with many attacks. The finishing circuit had a 1.3 km climb and a twisting descent through a village. There was a bad crash on the second last lap that broke up the group. Leader Chevanne Brunnel and Australian Tracey Gaudrey got caught behind. 10 riders in the front group, plus 10 more caught on in the final lap. Cole was riding well until a flat with 1 km to go.

16. Jarvis at 0:35
22. Cole 1:02
40. Hutsebaut 6:00
Spencer s.t.

Stage 3, 7 km ITT - very hilly, with a Œwicked‚, winding descent.

15. Cole 11:24 (at 0:50)
26. Jarvis 1:09
38. Hutsebaut 1:26
? Spencer

Stage 4, 92 km - very hilly road race. Started out fast with the Australians sending off attacks (French responded, bringing everything back together). On the final climb a small group went clear, including Brunnel. Leader Gaudrey missed the break, and had no team support. However, an Autralian team mate ending up taking the GC victory. The canadian team worked well together and were aggressive throughout the race. Julie Hutsebaut unfortunately broke her chain with 20 km to go in the final stage and had to abandon.

Final GC

16. Cole at 5:05
26. Jarvis 11:15
? Spencer
DNF Hutsebaut