March 17/02 6:32 am - Redlands Women's Stage 5 Report

Posted by Editor on 03/17/02
 

Redlands Classic- California
Courtesy Saturn

The final 100 kilometers of the women's Redlands Bicycle Classic was perhaps the stage that race leader, Saturn's Judith Arndt was the most apprehensive about. Knowing Canadian Genevieve Jeanson's record last year on the same course where she decimated the field, Arndt was well aware that her Yellow Jersey was far from secure on her shoulders. However, the weight of the Leader's Jersey was shared by Arndt's teammate Lyne Bessette, and together they were able to come to terms with the strength and determination of the talented Jeanson.

Jeanson, much as she had warned she would, attacked as soon as the neutral flag was dropped. She immediately put 1:45 into three chasers, Arndt, Bessette and Britain's Caroline Alexander. With 90 kilometers left to race, Arndt and Bessette began a long two person time trial, with Alexander assisting when possible. As the laps counted down, so did Jeanson's time gap, although she fought mightily for the much sought after Yellow Jersey. By the last lap, Bessette and Arndt reeled Jeanson back to their side, and the Saturn Cycling Team's win was finally secured.

Coming up the final hill, Bessette encouraged Arndt to "go for it," and that was the last the two Canadians saw of her. Arndt quickly put a minute on the two riders, and finished the race with plenty of time to throw her hands up with a glorious salute to her Saturn Team, waiting for her by the finish line. In the last final meters, Bessette came by Jeanson for a second place win, but not without a nod of appreciation to Jeanson for her incredible effort. Arndt explained at the finish, "I am so impressed by my Saturn Team. They are the best team I have ever ridden for. I am looking forward to helping Lyne in the next race."

Stage 5
1. Judith Arndt (Ger) Saturn Cycling Team
2. Lyne Bessette (Can) Saturn Cycling Team
3. Genevieve Jeanson (Can) Rona

Final GC
1. Judith Arndt (Ger) Saturn Cycling Team
2. Genevieve Jeanson (Can) Rona
3. Lyne Bessette (Can) Saturn Cycling Team