June 24/06 9:53 am - Coupe De La Paix Cycliste: Stage 3 Results & GC

Posted by Editoress on 06/24/06
 

Coupe De La Paix Cycliste

Dominique Rollin and Merrill Collins Retakee Their Leads
Courtesy La Coupe de la Paix
Translated by Evi Arsenault

In sizzling heat racers took to the streets of Repentigny for Stage Three of La Coupe de la Paix. Émilie Roy (Québec Groupe Centrifuge) won the women’s race in style, while David Veilleux took victory in the men’s race.

The women’s pack essentially stayed together during the 40K of the flat race, save a mid-race move by Émilie Roy (Québec Groupe Centrifuge) who made considerable time on the pack once away. As she was not a threat in the General Classement, the women behind let her go, saving their legs for the inevitable battle for second place. Merrill Collins (La Bicicletta) won the pack sprint and thus retook the leader’s jersey from Gina Grain (Colavita), who in turn took the third place on the podium. Collins now has a slim lead over Grain with a margin of only 10 points.

Roy was pleased with her victory after a difficult start to the season including no less than four falls; however all that seems behind her as luck appears to be shining on her now.
In the Men’s race, an accordion pattern was popular, with the pack expanding and retracting as the consequences of attempted break-aways, with riders from Team southaustralia.com-AIS doing the majority of work in keeping everyone together. Canadian Road Champion François Parisien (TIAA-Cref) - originally from Repentigny - and took part in the event and was very active in racing strategies. Unfortunately, with two laps to go, a serious crash spoiled his plans. (Due to UCI rules, crashes which occur less than 5 K from the finish are not awarded free-laps)

David Veilleux (Louis Garneau Optik) was the fastest in the recovery and sprinted to a win. Veilleux later commented that he was disappointed that their team strategy to give favourably placed Alexandre Lavallée, a win didn’t work out. Dominique Rollin (VC Roubaix), winner of Stage One, took second place today and earned himself the yellow leader’s jersey. Rollin nevertheless must share the jersey with Aussie Wes Sulzberger (southaustralia.com-AIS), fourth in today’s stage, but equal in points to Rollin. Australian rider Ashley Hutchison took third place.

Sunday marks the end of the La Coupe de la Paix series with another criterium in Blainville. The race should be more selective than its counterparts, as the course features a climb on each lap. Some riders – such as Rollin – are thrilled, “It’s going to hurt and I’ll be there to help put the hurt on!” Martin Barras, coach of Team southaustralia.com-AIS also mentioned that his secret weapon will be revealed in tommorow’s race.