Liberty Classic Elite Women - 6-7-09
Liberty Classic Elite Women’s Race Report
Clara Kelly (31)
Rebecca Wellons (54)
Carola Berger
Samantha Derry
Natalie Dumont
We enjoyed wonderful sunny weather this past weekend for our trip to Philadelphia. It was a treat to ride in such an exciting race with spectators lining much of the course and many well known riders in our field. We had four laps of 14.4 miles though boulevards of Philly, along the river and out to Main Street, Manayunk. The crown jewel of the course, Manayunk Wall, featured a 17% section and was preceded by 3 tight turns and a short section of cobbles. The playground of the course was Lemon hill, another steep hill but much more sporty. It featured turns on the power climb and on the fast decent.
The first time out to Manayunk was my (Clara’s) first experience in such a large field. With 144 women, it was a big change from our local races. There was constant movement among the group as we headed to the turn at the start of Main Street. The turn slowed folks down, then it was back to jostling. Anticipation and trepidation built in the group as we raced down main street towards the wall. The turns at the base of the wall served to really string the group out. Only a few people could exit the turn at a time and then it was up the wall. It was difficult to pass on the climb because the road was narrow, so position prior to the turns was very important. The climb was tough, but thrilling because there was a lot of cheering to keep up motivated. I was relieved to reach the top of the climb without seeing any gaps open. The field remained mainly intact for the 1st lap. Natalie had mechanical issues with her chain and had to withdraw after it became firmly stuck on the wrong side of the gear.
Gaps opened on the climb in the 2nd lap. A break of about 15 riders got off the front. Smaller groups formed to chase the field. Sam and Carola worked with their chase groups to try and catch the field on a flat section.
The third lap, officials neutralized the men’s field to allow to women to pass. Not to gloat too much, but it was an exceptional moment. The hill started to seem a little steeper this time. At the end of the lap, riders behind the field were pulled.
This left about 75 women in for the final lap. Clara and Rebecca started the wall near each other but were separated when a gap opened. The climb up Lemon Hill was fast and furious with several sections of stringing out prior to the field’s sprint finish.
Team Columbia-Highroad dominated the race with Ina Teutenberg winning the race and three of her teammates in the break.