May 19/03 4:30 am - Saturn Women's Classic

Posted by Editoress on 05/19/03
 

Saturn Women's Classic Connecticut, May 18
Courtesy Sparta Cycling

The pro women's field started in New Milford for a 70-mile (110 km) road race. All eyes were on the Saturn team led by Pennsylvania's Laura Van Gilder. But upstart teams such as Amoroso/Victory Brewing and Genesis/Scuba took charge with an early breakaway. Canadians Sue Palmer-Komar (Genesis/Scuba) and Sandy Espeseth (Amoroso/Victory Brewing) went clear. This move secured the Queen of the Mountains jersey for Palmer-Komar and the points jersey to Espeseth. But like the men's race, the women roared into town with a lead group of 35 riders all looking for a win.

"I got dropped about 50 times out there," said Tina Maylo-Pic (Diet Rite), who fought back each time and reached Danbury with the field, where her confidence grew. "My team did such a great job of setting me up for the sprint. Kori (Kelly) just flew up the backstretch and put me where I needed to be."

With 300-meters left, Mayolo-Pic bolted for the line. Van Gilder clung to her wheel but never managed to come around. Iona Winter (Genesis/Scuba) finished third.

"Tina was just incredible today. I tried to come around but she just kept going faster," said Van Gilder

1. Tina Mayolo Pic (USA) Diet Rite 3.54.27
2. Laura Van Gilder (USA) Saturn
3. Iona Wynter (USA) Genesis Scuba
4. Lyne Gaggioli (USA) Velo bella
5. Heather Albert (USA) Basis
6. Charmaine Brione (USA) Freddy Fu
7. Sandy Espeseth (USA) Victory Brewing
8. Amy Moore (USA) Saturn
9. Sue Palmer Komar (Can) Genesis Scuba
10. Joanne Kiesanowski (USA) Diet Rite