March 6/03 10:36 am - Pomona Valley Stage Race: Stage 1

Posted by Editoress on 03/6/03
 

Pomona Valley Stage Race San Dimas, CA
Courtesy Giana Roberge, Team Saturn

Danielson rocks the road at the Pomona Valley Stage Race
Jeanson dominates the women's field

The first NRC race of the 2003 season kicked off in the San Dimas area of California today. The Pomona Valley Stage Race clearly has earned their spot on the NRC schedule with an organized, timely and challenging race. With the weather gracing the large fields with sunshine and pleasant temperatures, bike racing in the US has jumped into high gear in what has been traditionally the Redlands Bicycle Classic weekend.

The first stage of the four day event was a twisty 8.5 mile hill climb with an elevation gain of 2100 feet. With many revamped men's teams and many new teams, it was anyone's guess at who would finish the day in Yellow.

Early times came in around the 30 minute mark, and at the finish line the chatter was what the likes of Tom Danielson (Saturn), Jonathon Vaughters, (Prime Alliance) Chris Horner (Saturn), Chann McCrae (Schroeder Iron) and Michael Creed (Prime Alliance) would post. Answers came quickly when Danielson crossed the line with an incredible 27:51, followed by Horner a few minutes later with a 28:24. Vaughters came across with a 28:59 answering the question of who would be able to beat Danielson. Vaughter's teammate Creed finished in fourth with a 30:07. The 2003 Tour of Langkawi winner took 1:08 out of his nearest competitor and proved once again, that when the road turns up hill, he is simply gifted. The Saturn Team had a very good showing with four in the top ten. Prime Alliance also had an excellent effort as well with four in the top ten.

In the women's race, Genevieve Jeanson once again dominated the women's field taking 1:48 out of second place Amber Neben. Third was Sue Palmer with a strong ride, finishing up with a time of 34:59. Saturn's Manon Jutras was fourth with a time of 35:11.

Tomorrow's stage is out near Riverside. It is a flat and windy 2.5 mile circuit with time bonuses in both the men's and women's race midway and at the finish. With Saturn sitting in first and second in the men's race, there is sure to be a hard fought battle from Prime Alliance and the local Schroeder Iron team.

Men: 8.5 miles
1. Tom Danielson - Saturn - 27:51
2. Chris Horner (Saturn) at 0:33
3. Jonathan Vaughters (Prime Alliance) 1:08
4. Michael Creed (Prime Alliance) 2:16
5. Tim Johnson (Saturn) 2:27

Women: 8.5 miles
1. Genevieve Jeanson (Rona/Esker) 32:46
2. Amber Neben (T-Mobile) at 1:48
3. SuePalmer Komar (Genesis Scuba) 2:13
4. Manon Jutras (Saturn) 2:25
5. Karen Bockell (Rona/Esker) 3:16

Full results when available