Wendy's International Cycling Classic - NE

Ohio, USA, July 24-29, 2001

Stage 3 - July 26: Worthington Criterium

Women's race

AutoTrader.com team report

Race # 3 was set in neighborhoods of Worthington, Ohio. The 1.1 mile course was flat on the start/finish stretch, but immediately following the first turn was a long downhill. At the bottom of the hill the riders would intertwine through the neighborhood streets only to find themselves climbing back to the start/finish area, which was the only place for any sort of recovery. However, with the prime bell ringing frequently, there was little time for any rest.

The field was content to ride as 1 pack for the first 10 laps of the 32 lap race. But after repetitive times up the climb, the hill began to take its toll on riders. With 22 laps to go, a break of 13 riders escaped the main peleton. This break contained all the major teams, including AutoTrader.com riders, Tina Mayolo and Katrina Berger. The break, content with who was present, worked together and instantly gained 30 seconds. It appeared this would be the winning break, but 5 laps later, a group of 6 riders broke free from that lead break. Present in this lead break was Berger (AutoTrader.com), Laura Van Gilder (VeriZon), Pia Sunstendt (Intersport), Nicole DeMars (800.com), Clara Hughes and Kristy Scrygmore (both Saturn). The six riders worked together and headed toward victory. With 2 laps to go, Sunstendt launched a rocket from the small group and soloed to victory. Van Gilder won the sprint between the remaining 5 leaders, while Hughes took the 3rd top spot on the podium AutoTrader.com's Katrina Berger finished 5th.

It was a photo finish for 7th place, as the second half of the original break of 13 came to the line. It looked as though Tina Mayolo was going to take the sprint, but sadly enough, she got nipped at the line by Saturn's Kim Davidge.

Men's race

Report from the Mercury team

With Baden Cooke firmly in the lead after the first two stages, Team Mercury decided to start focusing on getting other members of the team into the top 5 overall - without neglecting of course the pursuit of its third consecutive stage win. Both goals would be accomplished when Mike Sayers and Chris Pic broke away early from the field with two others who were of no danger overall. The foursome held off hard chases by Team 7 UP/Colorado Cyclist and Saturn to contest the win amongst themselves. Sayers proved to be the strongman of the break by getting away solo on the last lap to take the win in style. Chris Pic picked up 2nd for the 1-2 sweep. Back in the field, Cooke, Fraser, Bouchard-Hall, and Peters went 1,2,4 and 6 respectively in the field sprint to put 6 Mercury riders in the top ten. With his victory for the day and win in the intermediary bonus sprint, Sayers moved up into 2nd overall behind Cooke. Fraser, Bouchard-Hall, and Peters are also closing in on the top 5.

Women

1 Pia Sundstedt (Fin) Intersport
2 Laura Van Glider (USA) Verizon 
3 Kristy Scrymgeour (Aus) Saturn 
4 Clara Hughes (Can) Saturn 
5 Katrina Berger (USA) Autotrader.com 
6 Nicole Demars (USA) 800.com 
7 Kim Davidge (Can) Saturn 
8 Tina Mayolo (USA) Autotrader.com 
9 Cheryl Binney (USA) Proctor & Gamble 
10 Catherine Marsal (Fra) Intersports

Men

1 Michael Sayers (USA) Mercury
2 Chris Pic (USA) Mercury 
3 Paul Martin (USA) GoMart 
4 David Wenger (USA) Mercy 
5 Gord Fraser (Can) Mercury 
6 Baden Cooke (Aus) Mercury 
7 Mark McCormack (USA) Saturn 
8 Derek Bouchard - Hall (USA) Mercury 
9 Kevin Monahan (USA) 7 Up Colorado Cyclist
10 John Peters (USA) Mercury