June 9/02 2:44 am - First Union Liberty Classic: Team Saturn Report

Posted by Editoress on 06/9/02
 

First Union Liberty Classic Philadelphia, PA
Courtesy Team Saturn

Rossner Makes it Six!
Group of Seven Contests for First Union Liberty Classic

Despite finishing on her Saturn teammate's borrowed bike, Petra Rossner made it six in a row in Philadelphia today, winning the First Union Liberty Classic. One lap shorter than in previous years, the women's 57 mile race paraded the field around Logan circle, through Manayunk over the infamous wall, back toward the city by Strawberry and Lemon Hills to finish back in the circle.

Unlike in other years, Rossner did not win as expected bursting from the field with flames coming from her wheels. The race played out on the last lap as the Saturn Team drove the pace up through the screaming crowds lining the streets of Manayunk turning onto the wall. From there it was Judith Arndt and Anna Millward pacing Rossner to the top of the climb. Marking their group was T-Mobile's Kim Anderson, Trek's Laura Van Gilder, and Talgo's Dede Demet-Barry. Itera had Valentina Polkhanova to represent the European team. The seven riders quickly organized with Arndt and Millward driving the break clear from the field. Both Anderson and Demet-Barry tried to attack Rossner, well aware of her fast finish. However, Rossner was in the hunt of an unprecedented sixth win and could not be shaken. Coming into the finish it was clearly Rossner all the way, with six fingers held high and a huge smile on her face. Van Gilder was second over Demet-Barry and Anderson was fourth.

Upcoming on the women's calendar is the HP women's Challenge, getting under way next Saturday in Boise, Idaho.


Results:
1. Petra Rossner - Saturn Cycling Team
2. Laura Van Gilder - Trek
3. Dede Demet-Barry - Talgo America
4. Kim Anderson - T-Mobile