Women's Elite: Tour of PEI: Stage 1 to 3 - 6-11-08
The intro:
The NEBC/Cycle Loft/Devonshire Dental Elite women are moving up in the world of bike racing by competing in the Tour of Prince Edward Island, Canada. It is a UCI level race with women competing from North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. NEBC is only one of two American teams in attendance. The race dates were June 8-12.
Riders competing:
Sally Annis
Sam Dery
Natalie Dumont
Rebecca Wellons
Mary Zider
Leda Cox – guest rider
The first stage was a 99km circuit race in which we had 3 riders finish with the main pack, with the other 3 finishing just behind.
Stage 2 14.5km TT saw Sally Annis finish on the podium in 3rd.
Extremely windy as the day/TT progressed. Conditions went from overcast to sunny skies, but it’s still a whole lot cooler in Canada than it is here in Mass today (in the 60s).
- Sally’s 3rd in the TT today has put her in 5th in the GC. Link to podium picture (http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos.php?id=/photos/2008/jun08/tourdepei08/tourdepei082/0542_Top3_MFPh)
- Rebecca Wellons got 7th in the TT today, which moved her into 9th in the GC.
- Guest rider Leda Cox also in the top 20 with a 17th in GC.
- NEBC is 2nd in team GC after the TT
Stage 3 of Tour of PEI was yesterday for the NEBC elite women. It was a long (120km) road race with some significant hills that took their toll on the ladies. After an attack was initiated through the feed zone, the pack immediately broke apart. Guest rider Leda Cox stayed with the front group of 10 and came in 5th on the stage. A main pack of 40 formed, and then Sally, Rebecca and Sam followed shortly after to finish strongly in their group of 10. Riding in both the Montreal World Cup and the Montreal Stage Race last week (after the 3 Memorial Day weekend crits) have taken their toll on Mary’s legs and she’s not feeling as fresh right now. She and Natalie rode the rest of the race in together.