International Cycling Classic - Superweek - NE

USA, July 11-27, 2008

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Stage 15 - July 24: Racine.org Criterium

Page gets 'cross training by winning at Superweek

By Mark Zalewski, North American Editor in Racine, Wisconsin

Former cyclo-cross national champion Jonathan Page is at Superweek guest riding for Battley Harley Davidson/Planet Bike to get some fast training before the 'cross season begins. That training resulted in a little extra cash in his pocket today in Racine as he again made it into the main break and then out-sprinted his compatriots for the win.

"I pulled out around him and just used his team," Page told Cyclingnews regarding his sprinting against the full Kelly Benefits Strategies-Medifast team. "They splintered out of the corner and there was a gap where he was out in the wind, so I kept accelerating and jumped on his guys."

Out of the fog of the field Page emerged far enough in front of his breakaway mates to take the win - something he was unable to do in a previous stage where he made the break. "The difference is the guys wanted to work and we really put the hammer down to get to the back of the field and lap. That worked out in my best interest because I used the bigger teams for a lead-out."

Also sprinting in the field were yellow jersey Jonathan Cantwell (Jittery Joe's) and former series leader Sterling Magnell (Rock Racing), trying to get some of the remaining points that were not up the road. "I'm just one position ahead so my strategy is the same but [Rock's] is much different now," said Cantwell. "They threw in so many attacks but our guys covered it and did a great job. So with three days to go I am feeling good.

"[Magnell] was right on my wheel for the last lap and was trying to get some points but I had some legs on him."

Cantwell's team-mate Chad Hartley, sitting second on the sprint overall, took advantage of sprint leader Rahsaan Bahati's (Rock Racing) day off to grab some extra points, though with a healthy lead Bahati could afford to sit one out. Hartley also is more concerned about defending Cantwell's lead since they are but three with Ryan Sullivan versus Rock Racing's eight.

"There were some opportunities [for sprint points] but first and foremost we wanted to defend the yellow jersey," said Hartley. "A break went away but we didn't want to leave Jonny alone with all those Rock guys; but I still managed to get a few points. I'm pretty happy with my second place."

The series continues with three more criteriums, including Downer Avenue on Saturday which was once voted as a top-three favourite race in America.

Photography

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Mark Zalewski/Cyclingnews.com

On Wisconsin, on Wisconsin…
Sterling Magnell (Rock Racing) is a little less noticeable in his regular team kit.
Jonathan Cantwell (Jittery Joe's) is happy to be in yellow.
Downtown Racine provided a nice backdrop.
The Racine Art Museum definitely sticks out among the older buildings.
Bucky Miller (Team RACE) driving the break.
Jonathan Cantwell (Jittery Joe's) safely in the field.
The main break with Bucky Miller (Team RACE), Jonathan Page (Battley Harley Davidson), Paul Martin (Texas Roadhouse), Cole House (Bianchi/ GP) and Brian Buchholz (Kelly Benefits Strategies-Medfast.).
Paul Martin (Texas Roadhouse) is the current elite national road champion.
Jonathan Page (Battley Harley Davidson) gets some speed work in before 'cross season begins.
Chad Hartley (Jittery Joe's) picked up a few sprint points.
Kelly Benefits Strategies-Medifast on the front to set-up team-mate Brian Buchholz from the break.
Jesse Anthony (Team Type 1) takes sixth place behind the break that lapped the field.
The field sprint but it's anyone's guess who won.

Results

Men Pro 1/2
 
1 Jonathan Page (Battley Harley Davidson/Planet Bike)    
2 Bucky Miller (Team RACE)                               
3 Brian Buchholz (Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medfast)      
4 Paul Martin (Texas Roadhouse)                          
5 Cole House (Bianchi/GP)                                
 
Women
 
1 Anna Young (America's Dairyland)                       
2 Kristen Bowers                                         
3 Beth Engwis                                            
 
Overall standings
 
Men Pro 1/2
 
1 Jonathan Cantwell (Jittery Joes)                    193 pts
2 Sterling Magnell (Rock Racing)                      188
3 Adrian Gerrits (Kahala-LaGrange)                    140
4 Bernard Sulzberger (Virgin Blue Cycling Team)       137
5 Carlos Vargas (txTough/Hotel San Jose/RGM)          132