March 18/01 5:53 am - Jeanson Post-race Interview

Posted by Editor on 03/18/01
 

Redlands Classic, California

We have just finished speaking with Genevieve Jeanson (Team Rona) after her overall victory in the 6 stage race. Jeanson finished the event with a dominating performance in the 8 lap, 94.5 kilometre 6th stage.

"I did not want to take it easy (in the final stage) because I was too afraid of something happening and losing the lead, so I decided the best defense was an offense. Also, when we drove the course the day before we took a wrong turn and I had not seen the course before.

I attacked on the first climb, about a kilometre in. At the QoM (Queen of the Mountain) I looked around, because I expected (Alison) Dunlap or Kim (Bruckner) would be there, but I was alone. Then I heard that I had a minute and told myself to keep going.

This course was the hardest one of the whole week. It was very technical, with a super scary downhill. The road on the downhill and the climb was also narrow, which was perfect for a breakaway, since I did not have to brake like a pack would."

Jeanson goes from Relands back to Arizona - "my winter home" - where she will continue to train. She will give Sea Otter (March 22-25) a miss, concentrating on the Montreal Women's World Cup as "my next big race". After her relatively poor showing last year, Jeanson is determined to do well there for her local fans.

The final point she wanted to make was how well the team did as a whole: "the team was super, and we finished second overall. I am so proud of them."

Preliminary Unofficial Results

Stage 6 - 8 laps, 94.5 km

1. Genevieve Jeanson (Can) Team Rona 2:33:02 (37.05 km average)
2. Suzy Pryde (NZL) Autotrader.com at 7:03
3. Jimena Florit (Arg) Sunn Intl. s.t.

Final GC

1. Jeanson
2. Kim Bruckner (USA) Saturn at 9:23
3. Alison Dunlap (USA) 12:38

Team GC

1. Autotrader.com
2. Team Rona
3. 800.com

Points Jersey

1. Annie Gariepy (Can) Autotrader.com