Sprinters duel, leads narrow and teams head for Bermuda

Full Results

(Minneapolis, August 11, 2007) The recently completed International Tour de ‘Toona was the third round of the 2007 Women’s Prestige Cycling Series. As expected, the most dramatic moments played out in the sprinters’ competition. However, Webcor Builders’ leads narrowed in the overall and team competition and the team selection for the CD&P Bermuda Grand Prix was made.

Going into Altoona, Rebecca Larson (Aaron’s) led last year’s Series sprint winner Brooke Miller (TIBCO) by a narrow margin. However, while Miller contested Altoona’s sprint competition, Larson did not. Miller finished third in that competition, but first among Series participants. She now leads Larua Van Gilder (Cheerwine) and Kori Seehafer (TEAm Lipton) in the chase for the Series sprint title. Larson fell to fourth, but remains within striking distance.

Kristin Armstrong (TEAm Lipton) took her second straight win at a Series race, followed by Mara Abbott (Webcor Builder’s). Although Armstrong has now beaten Abbott in Altoona and at the Nature Valley Grand Prix, she was not racing at Redlands. Abbott thus retains the Series lead, with Armstrong close behind. Felicia Gomez (Aaron’s), in third, is the only other rider who could deny Abbott the Series title.

Abbott has very probably wrapped up the Series Best Young Rider competition. Lauren Franges (TEAm Lipton), in second, remains in mathematical contention. However, Franges is 198 points behind Abbott and the top young rider in Bermuda will only receive 220 points, making a change in leadership unlikely.

Altoona also determined the teams that will receive invitations to the Series finale at the CD&P Bermuda Grand Prix. The top ten teams will receive travel grants to attend this very popular race. Webcor Builder’s retained a commanding lead.

1 - 1573 - Webcor Builders Cycling Team
2 - 1127 - TEAm Lipton
3 - 521 - Team Cheerwine
4 - 505 - Colavita/Sutter Home pb Cooking Light
5 - 500 - Aaron's Pro Women's Cycling Team
6 - 190 - Team TIBCO
7 - 114 - ValueAct Capital Cycling Team
8 - 96 - Team Bikehugger/TRIA/Team GroupHealth
9 - 79 - Advil ChapStick
10 - 71 - Target Training Women's Pro Team


About the Women’s Prestige Cycling Series

The Women’s Prestige Cycling Series began in 2004 with the goal of highlighting women’s racing by giving them a spotlight that they don’t have to share with the men. The Series grew out of meetings that began in Minnesota in 2003 at the first Women’s Cycling Summit Conference hosted at the Nature Valley Grand Prix. The Summits take place twice a year: at the Nature Valley Grand Prix in June, where it’s sponsored by Rasmussen College, and at the Interbike trade show in September.