Wendy's International Cycling Classic - NE

Ohio, USA, July 25-30, 2000

Stage 3 - July 27: Worthington Invitational Criterium, 80/56 km M/W

Andrea Ratkovic's report

Today was fun. It was a great course. Let's see, it was about a mile long with a long downhill and then a slight but rather long uphill. It was so cool because on the downhill section the race director had set up a radar device, so you could actually see how fast you were screaming down it. I remember seeing 38 mph pretty often.

We started on time today (kudos!), and we rode 35 miles. AutoTrader.com was EXTREMELY active. We made several attacks and even got some good breaks going, but nothing stuck until I made a last ditch all out effort attack. After a bit I looked back and saw Julie had made the break along with Karen Dunne, Annie Gariepy, Katrina Berger, Nicole Reinhart, and some girl with New Zealand-something shorts in a red jersey I think (I'm sorry, but I don't know who she is). Meanwhile back in the pack Pam and Tina were blocking heavily, and I'm going to assume that Saturn and Elita were doing the same.

I attacked with about 5 laps to go, so all we had to do was work hard, and we'd stay away. It was my job to give Julie a leadout which I tried to do only I tried to eary. My legs were shot from earlier efforts. I attacked the break with about 1K to go, and Katrina came with me, but then so did everybody else. Heck, they aren't stupid. I'm sure they figured I was going to do that, and everybody was riding strong. Mike tells me I need to work on my element of surprise! Well, Julie had to lead herself out which she did pretty darn well since Nicole was the only one who beat her. Julie placed 2nd, and Karen got 3rd. Then I think it was Katrina, the New Zealand gal, Annie, and me.

Sarah Ulmer retained her Saturn Teamwork Challenge jersey, and Tina got some points towards that today which was great. Karen is still in the GC lead.

Mike Neel got the royal treatment from some spectator whose house was along the course. In case ya'll didn't know, Mike is a bit gimpy these days having broken his fibula (the outside bone on your lower leg) while attempting to run over some BIG tree roots! Anyhow, the lady brought out a lawn chair for him and made him tea WITH A LEMON WEDGE! He was sitting quite comfortably spouting off race tactics into our ears.

I would like to congratulate Kim Davidge on her Canadian Criterium National Championship victory. You go girl!

Cybil DiGuistini had a really tough time today after some guy ran into her yesterday after our race. I guess he was too busy warming up for his race to realize that she was injured pretty good. Anyway, her tailbone is killing her now. But, I'm sure her spunk will have her bouncing along in no time.

That's all for now. I'm really looking forward to those street sprints tomorrow...

Report courtesy of racereport@vcnet.com

Results

Men

1. Gord Fraser (Can) Mercury

Women

1. Nicole Reinhart (USA) Saturn
2. Julie Young (USA) AutoTrader.com
3. Karen Dunne (USA) Team Elita 
4. Katrina Berger (USA) Harbour Lights

Saturn Teamwork Challenge Jersey:

1. Sarah Ulmer (NZl) Elita