1st GP Citta' Di Cordignano - 1.9.2

Italy, April 29, 2001

Results

Zocca wins in crash marred finale

By James Victor/AIS Coach

What turned out to be a glorious day for racing, ended with a THUD and a mass 30+ pile-up with only 50 metres to the finish of the first edition of the GP Citta' di Cordignano in Northern Italy.

All the Italian Professional teams were well represented including the World Champion Stahurskaia from the GAS Sport team, along with the Australian and Ukraine National teams. 110 starters in all.

Acca Due O-Lorena team member, Rasa Polikeviciute was the early aggressor, and towards the finish Russian Olga Zabelinskia was away solo, 1 minute in front for nearly 20 km. Otherwise, the predicted mass bunch sprint arrived with an unfortunate accident at 50 metres to go.

Greta Zocca (GAS Sport team) was superior in the sprint finish and won convincingly with arms raised. Australian Rochelle Gilmore was heading for her first European podium finish, and whilst manouvering in the final 100 metres, she hit the rear wheel of 2nd placegetter Elena Tchalykh (Rus) from the Carpe Diem ICT Russian team. Following was a mass pile-up with 5 riders taken to hospital, and Australians Gilmore, Sara Carrigan, Alison Wright and Hayley Rutherford all involved in the crash. Fortunately all Australians are O.K. and will take part in their next race on Tuesday.

Results

1 Greta Zocca (Ita) GAS Sport Team, Italy  2.40.00 (41.963 km/h)
2 Elena Tchalykh (Rus) Carpe Diem-Itera
3 Katia Longhin (Ita) Acca Due O HP Lorena Camici
4 Regina Schleicher (Ger) Michela Fanini Record Rox
6 Katie Mactier (Aus)  A.I.S. Australia