15th Tour de l'Aude, Cat 2.9.1France, May 7-16, 1999 |
The Stages:
Prologue, May 7, Gruissan - Gruissan, 2.4 kms:German Hanka Kupfernagel took the yellow leader's jersey after the prologue of the 15th Tour de l'Aude Féminin over 2.4 kms in Gruissan. She covered the distance with an average speed of 48 km/h. Second was Clara Hughes at 0.04, and then Australian Anna Wilson at 0.07. She also won the prologue last year.The German is in fine form at present after winning the Flèche Wallonne and more recently the Tour of Mallorca. She is also leading the Women's World Cup rankings. Last year's Tour winner, Italian Fabiana Luperini is not racing this year. This tour is preparation for the Tour de France Feminin and the Giro d'Italia Feminin.
1. Hanka Kupfernagel (Ger) Greenery Hawk 3.00.77 2. Clara Hughes (Can) 3.04.98 3. Anna Wilson (Aus) 3.07.37 4. Elizabeth Emery (USA) 3.09.48 5. Lynn Bessette (Can) 3.09.87 6. Tracey Gaudry (Aus) Ebly 3.11.20 7. Jolanta Polikeviciute (Lit) 3.11.21 8. Mirjam Melchers (Ned) 3.11.40 9. Albine Caillie (Fra) 3.11.43 10. Elena Tchalykh (Rus) 3.12.12 .. 12. Valentina Polkhanova (Rus) Greenery Hawk 3.12.40 21. Petra Rossner (Ger) German National Team 3.15.79 23. Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (Ger) German National Team 3.16.68 27. Sandra Missbach (Fin) Greenery Hawk 3.19.34 34. Jacqueline Brabenetz (Ger) German National Team 3.22.23 35. Meike de Bruijn (Ned) Greenery Hawk 3.22.30 36. Cornelia Dreher (Ger) German National Team 3.22.73 50. Natascha Klewitz (Ger) German National Team 3.24.89 53. Valentina Gerassimova (Rus) Greenery Hawk 3.25.76 Stage 1, Lézignan Corbières- Lézignan Corbières, 122 kms:German Petra Rossner won the first stage in a mass sprint after 121 kms around the French city of Lézignan-Corbières. Her compatriat, Hanka Kupfernagel, was 4th and retained the GC leadership. Rossner, was the Olympic Pursuit champion at Barcelona in 1992, and made the break with 27 other riders. The stage was marked by the abandonment of one of the favourites Lithuanian Jolanta Polikieviciute at the 5 kms mark after fracturing her wrist in a fall.
1. Petra Rossner (Ger) German National Team 3.12.33 2. Magali Le Floc'h (Fra) 3. Heidi van de Vijver (Bel) 4. Hanka Kupfernagel (Ger) Greenery Hawk 5. Svetlana Samochvalova (Rus) 6. Mirjam Melchers (Ned) 7. Pamela Schuster (USA) 8. Sandra Missbach Ger) Greenery Hawk 9. Elena Tchalykh (Rus) 10. Rasa Polikeviciute (Lit) 13. Sanna Lehtimaki (Fin) Greenery Hawk 15. Jacqueline Brabenetz (Ger) German National Team 24. Valentina Polkhanova (Rus) Greenery Hawk 26. Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (Ger) German National Team 38. Valentina Gerassimova (Rus) Greenery Hawk 0.23 46. Meike de Bruijn (Ned) Greenery Hawk 0.23 49. Natascha Klewitz (Ger) German National Team 0.23 72. Tina Liebig (Ger) German National Team 13.18 74. Cornelia Dreher (Ger) German National Team 13.18 GC after Stage 1
1. Hanka Kupfernagel (Ger) Greenery Hawk 3.15.33 2. Clara Hughes (Can) 0.04 3. Anna Wilson (Aus) 0.05 4. Petra Roßner (Ger) German National Team 0.05 5. Lynn Bessette (Can) 0.09 6. Elena Tchalykh (Rus) 0.11 7. Mirjam Melchers (Ned) 0.11 8. Heidi van de Vijver (Bel) 0.11 9. Maryline Salvetat (Fra) 0.12 10. Valentina Polkhanova (Rus) Greenery Hawk 0.12 .. 14. Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (Ger) German National Team 0.16 17. Sandra Mißbach (Ger) Greenery Hawk 0.18 18. Sanna Lehtimaki (Fin) Greenery Hawk 0.19 19. Jacqueline Brabenetz (Ger) German National Team 0.22 36. Meike de Bruijn (Ned) Greenery Hawk 0.45 39. Natascha Klewitz (Ger) German National Team 0.47 40. Valentina Gerassimova (Rus) Greenery Hawk 0.48 69. Cornelia Dreher (Ger) German National Team 13.38 78. Tina Liebig (Ger) German National Team 14.16 Giana Roberge reports Today the 96 competitors of the Tour de l'Aude were witness to exceptional team efforts by the American Saturn team and the German Greenery Hawk team. As we rolled out from the town of Lezignan Saturn began their assault on the field. Around km 5 Susy Pryde attacked and soon opened up a substantial gap. As Hanka (Greenery Hawk) had the yellow leader's jersey no other teams chased. Greenery did not seem overly concerned. However, Pam Schuster and I were both agreed that they maybe making a mistake; we know first hand the relentless determination of our former teammate. The group hit the first climb around km 46. This category one climb was three kilometers; the most difficult part of the climb being the fight to stay in a good position. I was determined to stay near the front as I thought some of the teams would attempt to launch their key riders in an effort to close the nearly two minute gap Susy had opened. As we came over the top of the climb the group was a bit smaller but still all together. Greenery was now very worried. Susy had put time on the group on the climb. As the chase began, Greenery's efficient team work began to take its toll, but slowly. Susy's gap began to come down. I was impressed with the strength of both teams; the patience of Saturn, their faith in Susy's strength, and the professional determination of the Greenery riders as they took their turns at the front. I was sad to see the Saturn jersey as Greenery closed in, but knowing the onslaught of attacks about to come I moved up to the front of the peloton. On a personal note I would like to mention the difference a year's experience has made for me. Last year the front of the race was but a thing I heard about second hand from my teammates. Today I was able to counter Julie Young's attack and get a gap (which was closed quickly by Greenery; they would not make the same mistake twice). I was told last year by people with years of experience that I would improve simply with the experience years of racing bring; they were right. As we passed the 10 k sign at about 48 kilometers an hour, the teams began to move their sprinters to the front. I watched as Ina Teutenburg and Petra Rossner (perhaps the two most impressive sprinters in the world of women's racing) moved toward the front. They did it effortlessly. Both in the same jersey, I figured Ina would be giving Petra the leadout. I am not sure how the sprint went down as there was a crash with two k to go taking down nearly our whole team. Pam was nearer to the front and ended up fifth in the final sprint. Petra was successful and impressively took the win. The rest of us finished in the second group; with a time gap from the crash. Julie Young was the most scathed; she went off to the race doctor to have her elbow looked at. At best the sprint was sketchy. There is a lot on the line and these women are ready to take seemingly unreasonable risks at times. Susy was amazing and managed to stay with the front finishing group after her incredible effort. Saturn forced Greenery's hand today, making them chase for a long time, perhaps using more reserves than they wanted. It will be interesting to watch the retaliation tomorrow as Greenery attempts to protect their two top riders in Hanka and Polkhanova (the awesome climber). My teammate Leah, at only 19 continues to impress me with her ability to rise to the occasion. This is her first major stage race and she finished in the main group today (following the crash). Stage 2, Rieux Minervois-Rieux Minervois, 106 kms:German Hanka Kupfernagel consolidated her position as GC leader of the 15th Tour de l'Aude Féminin when she won Stage 2, a 106 kms loop around Rieux-Minervois.She instigated a four-person attack with great work from Australian road champion Tracey Gaudry and won the sprint.
1. Hanka Kupfernagel (Ger) 3.13.49 (32.815 km/h) 2. Tracey Gaudry (Aus) 3. Heidi Van de Vijver (Bel) 4. Lyne Bessette (Can) 5. Meike De Bruijn (Ger) s.t. 6. Rasa Polikeviciute (Lit) 0.50 7. Valentina Polkanova (Rus) 0.50 8. Séverine Desbouy (Fra) 0.50 9. Emily Robbins (USA) 0.50 10. Mirjam Melchers (Ned) 1.49 .. 11. Sanna Lehtimaki (Fin) 1.49 14. Marcia Eicher Vouets (Swi) 1.49 21. Valentina Gerassimova (Rus) 4.21 26. Sandra Wampfler (Swi) 5.55 28. Jacqueline Brabenetz (Ger) 5.55 41. Natascha Klewitz (Ger) 11.13 52. Sandra Missbach (Ger) 16.41 65. Tina Liebig (Ger) 24.24 67. Cornelia Dreher (Ger) 24.24 72. Petra Rossner (Ger) 24.24 76. Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (Ger) 32.08 GC after Stage 2
1. Hanka Kupfernagel (Ger) 6.29.12 2. Heidi Van de Vijver (Bel) 0.17 3. Lyne Bessette (Can) 0.19 4. Meike De Bruijn (Ger) 0.55 5. Tracey Gaudry (Aus) Ebly 0.56 6. Valentina Polkanova (Rus) 1.12 7. Rasa Polikeviciute (Lit) 1.23 8. Séverine Desbouy (Fra) 1.54 9. Emily Robbins (USA) 1.56 10. Anna Wilson (Aus) 2.04 .. 13. Sanna Lehtimaki (Fin) 2.21 14. Marcia Eicher Vouets (Swi) 2.25 23. Valentina Gerassimova (Rus) 5.22 26. Jacqueline Brabenetz (Ger) 6.30 29. Sandra Wampfler (Swi) 7.03 36. Natascha Klewitz (Ger) 12.13 45. Sandra Missbach (Ger) 17.12 56. Petra Rossner (Ger) 24.41 64. Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (Ger) 32.37 70. Cornelia Dreher (Ger) 38.15 73. Tina Liebig (Ger) 38.53 Giana Roberge reports Today's seemingly benign stage at 106 kilometers did indeed foretell the future challenges of the Tour with a category two, a category one and an hors category climb (in that order). As we headed out of Rieux Minervois the attacks began early and a group managed to get off the front at kilometer three. The peleton was already strung out in the wind and the group of about eight quickly disappeared from sight. Saturn again came out with both guns firing as Dede Demet was taking hard pulls in an effort to once again make the Greenery team defend their jersey. On an interesting note, illustrating the professional etiquette of women's cycling, Petra Rossner (German) would not work in the break. She was not riding to save herself for a finish, rather riding neutrally in an effort not to threaten Hanka's yellow jersey by working with the others. Both women ride for different teams, and although both will race against each other, in an effort to further the sport of cycling in Germany, all Germans will not ride against each other. Petra would still sprint Hanka if the opportunity presented itself, but in a situation where Hanka's overall win is threatened, Petra, and all the Germans, have this quiet understanding. As the break headed up the road we went through a town and crossed the sprint line just in time to see the break being motioned to the side of the road. The gendarmes began frantically to tell the riders in the front that we needed to turn around as we had missed the turn. Even in the biggest Tours mistakes are made. After ten minutes of confusion and cursing, and a bit of laughter, the break was off again. The group followed but the time the break gained went from 25 seconds to 2 minutes in such a short period of time that I have my doubts as to whether the peleton was restarted with an accurate time split. It made very little difference in the long run as the group of what was then five was caught on the second climb. I wish I could say I was witness to the reeling in of the break. I flatted at perhaps the most inopportune time; at about three kilometers from the base of the climb. I had a pretty fast wheel change and a great push. I chased until I thought I would pass out. As I chased through the caravan, and through the small groups I made my way up the climb possessed with a determination new to me this year. I would catch the main group. And catch it I did. Unfortunately I caught it as we hit the category one and was soon by myself for a long time. Nearing the middle of the climb, a young Russian rider joined me. Although she spoke no English and I speak no Russian we worked together in an effort to catch the main group. However I was soon by myself again, and it was with relief that I heard my name being called from behind. My Elita teammate Kim Langton was making her way up to me. Wow, what a tremendous difference a teammate can make. Falling into a comfortable but steady rhythm we climbed our way up the 7.5 kilometers toward the queen of the mountain sprint sign. As I faltered Kim gave me encouragement making kind words seem like the best thing besides a cool milkshake and a nap in the shade. With our group growing in size, we came through the last town before the finish with about twenty-five kilometers to go and there was Pert sitting on a bench in the shade. She had been dropped out of the break, but had been told by her director that two of her young German teammates were on their way down the descent. Ever the professional, Petra had decided to wait for them to teach them a few things about descending. I have frequently followed Petra's wheel as we barrel down the other side of a climb. She is one of the fastest but safest descenders in the peleton, as well as an excellent teacher. I envied the youngsters the chance to learn something I might not yet know. As I saw the 10 kilometer sign a sigh of relief escaped my parched lips. Kim and Petra laughed at me. I laughed at myself with them; the thought that although frequently competitors, but always friends, the bonds formed in a sport as tough as cycling will probably last a lifetime. Far in front of our group a battle for the first four places found Hanka winning the sprint and maintaining the leader's jersey. Susy Pryde, after her heroic ride yesterday managed to keep the red jersey, and Lynn Bessette (Saturn) was fourth, tying her for second place overall at only twenty seconds back. Pam is our top placed rider at 27th, Julie is hanging tough after her crash yesterday in 41st. EE is in 43rd. Leah and Gail are in 52 and 53rd respectively. Stage 3, Port Lauragais-Port Lauragais, 101 kms:1. Petra Rossner (Ger) Greiz) 2.51.53 2. Mirjam Melchers (Ned) 3. Magali Le Floc’h (Fra) 4. Heidi van de Vijver (Bel) 5. Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (Ger) 6. Hanka Kupfernagel (Berlin) 7. Svetlana Samochvalova (Rus) 8. Sanna Lehtimaki (Fin) 9. Rasa Polikeviciute (Ltu) 10. Jacqueline Brabenetz (Ger) .. 17. Marcia Eicher Vouets (Swi) 18. Valentina Polkhanova (Rus) 28. Natascha Klewitz (Ger) 32. Sandra Wampfler (Swi) 39. Valentina Gerassimova (Rus) 40. Meike de Bruijn (Ned) 47. Cornelia Dreher (Ger) 0.46 49. Sandra Missbach (Berlin) 3.45 55. Tina Liebig (Ger) 3.51 GC after Stage 3
1. Hanka Kupfernagel (Ger) 9.20.55 2. Heidi van de Vijver (Bel) 0.27 3. Lynn Bessette (Can) 0.27 4. Meike de Bruijn (Ned) 1.04 5. Tracey Gaudry (Aus) 1.06 6. Valentina Polkhanova (Rus) 1.22 7. Rasa Polikeviciute (Ltu) 1.33 8. Séverine Desbouys (Fra) 2.04 9. Emily Robbins (USA) 2.06 10. Anna Wilson (Aus) 2.09 .. 13. Sanna Lehtimaki (Fin) 2.28 14. Marcia Eicher Vouets (Swi) 2.32 23. Valentina Gerassimova (Rus) 5.29 25. Jacqueline Brabenetz (Ger) 6.37 28. Sandra Wampfler (Swi) 7.10 34. Natascha Klewitz (Ger) 12.20 47. Sandra Missbach (Ger) 21.04 53. Petra Rossner (Ger) 24.38 59. Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (Ger) 32.44 64. Cornelia Dreher (Ger) 39.08 67. Tina Liebig (Ger) 42.51 Giana Roberge reports The wind picked up as the day went on, moving out the storm but promising a lot of cross winds during the race. As we rolled out of the little town of Souilhe the peloton immediately began to break into echelons. Looking for protection from the side wind, each rider rides to the side of the wheel in front of them. Thus drafting is still effective in that the protection from the wind conserves energy. Soon a group of riders will form spreading from the windy side to the protected side of the road. The battle for a good position begins in the gutter; each woman looking for the best protection from the wind but not wanting to be too far back in the group as the peloton splits very quickly once the echelons form. Although difficult, it was not so much the climbs that made today challenging but rather the constant battle in the gutter for the perfect position. The Dutch are the best at riding echelons and will put anyone in the ditch before they give up the wheel in front of them. Today I was either staring at the wheel in front of me willing my legs to keep me there or fighting to move up in the group when the pace slowed. Many of us were in and out of the front group most of the day. I managed to hang tough until the infamous Fanjeaux climb, where once again I flatted at the bottom of the climb. My change was quicker today; and, furious at my bad luck I managed, with the help of Leah, to get to her group. I went through that group, and caught the caravan of team cars. Taking some crazy risks on the narrow roads I somehow managed to catch back on to the front group. As the peloton raced toward the final climb of the day, a group of us got dropped from the front, and I found myself with two of my Elita teammates, as well as Dede and Clara (both Saturn riders). It is alway comforting to be in the "laughing group" with people you know; it illustrates the highs and lows we all go through in a Tour. Julie and Pam were impressive today, hanging on to that front group and mixing it up in the final sprint. I would think it was a wild finish as the tail wind must have made the leadouts wicked fast. Petra Rossner chocked up another win. I think with her fitness and finishing speed she will be a real threat at First Union this year. Once again Leah amazed us all finishing today albeit bruised and stiched up from her crash yesterday. EE had a very good day finishing just behind the front group. Hanka is still in yellow but only by 27 seconds. Stage 4, Castelnaudary-Castelnaudary, 126 kms:1. Albine Caillie (Fra) 3.31.56 2. Anna Wilson (Aus) 2.02 3. Olga Slioussareva (Rus) 2.02 4. Hanka Kupfernagel (Ger) 2.02 5. Svetlana Samochvalova (Rus) 2.02 6. Jacqueline Brabenetz (Ger) 2.02 7. Heidi van de Vijver (Bel) 2.02 8. Elisabeth Chevanne-Brunel (Fra) 2.02 9. Tracey Gaudry (Aus) 2.02 10. Natascha Klewitz (Ger) 2.02 .. 18. Sanna Lehtimaki (Fin) 2.02 21. Valentina Gerassimova (Rus) 2.02 25. Valentina Polkhanova (Rus) 2.02 36. Meike de Bruijn (Ned) 2.02 50. Sandra Missbach (Ger) 6.25 64. Tina Liebig (Ger) 19.34 65. Cornelia Dreher (Ger) 19.34 70. Petra Rossner (Ger) 26.40 69. Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (Ger) 26.40 GC after Stage 4
1. Hanka Kupfernagel (Ger) 12.54.51 2. Heidi van de Vijver (Bel) 0.29 3. Lynn Bessette (Can) 0.29 4. Meike de Bruijn (Ned) 1.06 5. Tracey Gaudry (Aus) 1.08 6. Valentina Polkhanova (Rus) 1.24 7. Rasa Polikeviciute (Ltu) 1.35 8. Anna Wilson (Aus) 2.01 9. Séverine Desbouys (Fra) 2.06 10. Emily Robbins (USA) 2.07 .. 13. Sanna Lehtimaki (Fin) 2.30 14. Marcia Eicher Vouets (Swi) 2.34 23. Valentina Gerassimova (Rus) 5.31 25. Jacqueline Brabenetz (Ger) 6.39 28. Sandra Wampfler (Swi) 7.12 34. Natascha Klewitz (Ger) 12.22 47. Sandra Missbach (Ger) 25.29 60. Petra Rossner (Ger) 49.18 66. Cornelia Dreher (Ger) 56.42 67. Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (Ger) 57.24 68. Tina Liebig (Ger) 1.00.25 Giana Roberge reports Only stage four. This will be a brief race report. I think the wind and the fighting is beginning to wear a little thin, and I am desperate need of a nap. Today's stage was on some rotten goat paths over hill and dale. With the cross wind, the gravel in the roads, and the roads being only eight feet wide, there were some mighty battles occurring in the gutter today. What nerve it takes to move up, or at least hold your position. You take risks you would never dream of taking in a race in the United States. Sometimes you are eyeing the wheel in front of you on one side and the edge of the road on the other, praying that the wheel stays steady and the side of the road does not drop away leaving you to try your luck mountain biking. I frequently spend a long time with my bike straight but my head cocked over to the left or right (depending on the wind), trying to see a time when moving up is a possibility. It is always necessary to look for rocks, holes, and road changes, as no one ever points them out. Moving up requires excellent timing, a lot of bumping, and a bit of luck. Oh yes, and the belief that you belong at the front. With anything less you will find yourself off the back in the time it takes to take a sip from your water bottle. Today's race is foggy, as my body was not consistently cooperating with me. I had some good moments, but I had some very bad ones as well. Clara Hughes (Saturn) attacked early and from that point on the field was strung out. There were five sprints before we got to the category one climb. I was able to help Pam and Julie a bit before and after the sprints. There were two points separating Susy Pryde (Saturn) in the sprinters jersey and a French woman; needless to say, the sprints were ridden aggressively. My teammate Julie was super woman today, covering attack after attack. A French girl got away around the middle of the race, and managed to stay away to win. You can send Giana some encouragement here
Pam Schuster reports 126K, 6 sprints and one category 1 climb made for a very hard but usual european race day. I think about my hardest training rides during the winter and they don't even come close to the intensity that we challenge ourselves with day after day here. I really wanted to quit today because of a sore arm but then I thought about how awful I would feel on the plane if I didn't get this impossible to recreate training in before the important June races. I also looked at my incredible teammate Julie Young who was taken down in a front of the pack crash on the first day and she was still always at the front of the pack, covering attacks, making the breaks. My own little pity party had to quickly self destructed. The pack was together for the first sprint at 20K which was won by the Russian, Slioussareva over Susy Pryde which tyed them for the jersey at this point and time. Having a break off would help Susy as she is such a strong rider and could win the later sprints more easily. French rider Albine Caillie gets away solo before the next sprint and never looked back, taking the stage win by over 2 minutes. Anna Wilson also gets away solo but comes back after the next 2 sprints which also included 2 secounds bonus for each one. Susy then wins the next sprint with Anna also taking points over the Russian. Anna helps out by taking points. It was hard to call the next sprint at the 94K mark a sprint because it was after climbing for 5K. This sprint was taken by climbers Kupfernagel, Emily Robbins and Tracy Gaudry. One kilometer later was the Mountain sprint which was taken by the Hawk rider Mieke De Bruin who attacked on the left of a center divider and was then later joined by Emily Robbins. I could see this because I had sucha nice view as I was falling off the bunch. I dug to catch them in the final 200 meters only to discover the continuing climb. It did eventually go down with some pretty fun descending and the French team ever so present to protect their stage victory. Hanka has the points jersey by a 18 point margin over Heidi Vandevijver, She also still has the mountain jersey over her teammate De Bruin by 11 points. Susy has the sprint jersey by 4 points over the Russian. Today's best young rider was Jacqueline Brabenetz of the German National team. |