Many of the racers who we saw out in Philadelphia on Sunday were subjected to a quick turn around as they have been competing at the Nature Valley Grand Prix since this past Wednesday. The storms that have ravaged so much of the Midwest have interjected on the racing this week as officials neutralized Stage 1, the St. Paul Lowertown Criterium.
Kristin Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce) who had lapped the talented field on her way to victory wasn't given any benefit of her advantage because of the conditions. Despite overwhelming the competition, officials nullified Armstrong's time gains because they ruled the race unsafe. Joanne Kiesanowski (Team TIBCO) continued to demonstrate her form by coming in second, while teammate Brooke Miller followed in third.
Likewise, Kirk O'Bee (Health Net - Maxxis) looked to be on his way to a victory, but the men's race was completely neutralized when an official's motorcycle went down.
During Stage 2, the Cannon Falls Road Race, O'Bee would gain some measure of redemption as the US National Criterium Champion would deliver after a perfect lead out by his Health Net - Maxxis teammates. Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light) claimed victory on the women's side besting Joanne Kiesanowski (Team TIBCO) and Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine) in the sprint.
Kiesanowski, who wasn't earmarked to contest the day's sprint would pick up the team's mantle once leader Brooke Miller went down in the final circuit.
Redemption was once again the theme on Stage 3, the St. Paul Riverfront Time Trial, as Kristin Armstrong dominated in her specialty. She would take the overall lead from Tina Pic. On the men's side, Bissell's Ben Jacques-Maynes would grab the stage and the overall lead.
Racing continued on Friday afternoon with Stage 4, the Minneapolis Downtown Criterium. Team TIBCO's Brooke Miller would finally get things squared away and take a convincing sprint ahead of Tina Pic and Kate Bates (Team High Road), while Kirk O'Bee would continue his winning ways. Both Kristin Armstrong and Ben Jacques-Maynes would retain their overall leads.
The NVGP heads to Mankato for Saturday's Mankato Road Race and concludes with the Stillwater Criterium on Sunday the 15th.
Criterium du Dauphine Libere
For the European professionals, the Criterium du Dauphine Libere also concludes this Sunday. After Stage 5, Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) sits atop the overall standings. The revelation of the race, and perhaps the year so far, has been Valverde's victory [that isn't a misprint] in the 31km Stage 3 ITT in Saint-Paul-en-Jarez. He defeated a host of time trial specialists, most notably second place finisher American Levi Leipheimer. If Valverde's victory wasn't an aberration, he may finally prove to be a real contender for the Tour crown in a few week's time.
Harlem Rocks
The USA Crits Series makes a stop in Harlem this weekend for the 35th edition of the Harlem Skyscraper Classic. This year's presenting sponsor is Michael Ball's Rock Racing. Racing starts at noon on Sunday at Marcus Garvey Park.Closer To Home
For races in and around specific areas of the country, consult the listings below.
06/14/2008
San Fernando Criterium
San Fernando, CA
Cyclesport Junior State Crit
Livermore, CA
Sherman Park Criterium
Chicago, IL
Wisconsin State Criterium Championships
Ripon, WI
NC Championship Road Race
Salisbury, NC
Pescadero Coastal Classic Road Race
Pescadero, CA
Bird-in-Hand Road Race
Bird-in-Hand, Lancaster County, PA
Midwest Cycling Group Allen Park Criterium
Allen Park, MI
Specialized/Sierra Nevada Criterium
Folsom, CA
Utah State Championship Road Race
Clarkston, UT
06/15/2008
Bicycle John's Grand Prix
Glendale, CA
Ann Arbor Tour de Kids
Ann Arbor, MI
Picacho Time Trial Series
Tucson, AZ
Cargas Criterium
Lancaster, PA
Virginia Farm Bureau Criterium
Hampton, VA
Chicago Time Trial Series
Willow Springs, IL
For results and photos of some of the races above, click through to Truesport.com .
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