June 11/12 19:33 pm - Air Force Cycling Classic Women: Kirchmann wins overall

Posted by Editoress on 06/11/12
 

Women Dominant At Air Force Classic, Kirchmann Crowned Two-Time Champion

Continuing to bolster it's reputation as one of America's top teams, the Optum p/b KBS women put on an impressive display at the two-day Air Force Classic. Optum p/b KBS neo-pro Emma Grant claimed her first victory on US soil after an impressive solo win at Saturday's Clarendon Cup, a 100km road race that saw the British rider spend thirty laps off the front with one other rider before jumping away with five laps remaining. Grant was uncatchable and topped her first American podium as a result of her aggressive riding.

Grant, who will head back to the UK for the British Road Race Championships later this week, came into the Air Force event fresh off of a block of training in her adopted hometown of Asheville, NC, and was able to convert the extra miles in the saddle into success.

"My team came to this race pretty tired from Philly and Exergy Tour, but I was feeling pretty fresh so I just wanted to be as aggressive as possible, and set Leah (Kirchmann) up for the win." said Grant. "I ended up getting in the move, so I just kept pressing on and was able to sneak away for the win."

Kirchmann, who finished third on Saturday, was the overall champion at Air Force Classic in 2011, was on the attack at Sunday's Crystal City Classic, finishing third and taking home the GC crown for the second consecutive year.

Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies press release