Powers 5th; Farina 6th on Mogollon climb finish
Silver City, NM - It was "game on" from the gun for the women of Team Vera Bradley Foundation on Stage 1 at the Tour of the Gila. The team went into the stage with a goal of racing aggressively and getting a break up the road to force the other teams to chase and they achieved that. And it was the solo move of guest rider, Anne Samplonius, at mile 1 that was the move of the day.
"We knew that Mara Abbott (Peanut Butter & Co/Twenty-12) could outclimb anyone here, but we wanted to make her work for it and force her team to chase," said Samplonius. "I was hoping some others would come with me, but I guess they thought it was too early." Samplonius gained over 6 minutes while she rode alone for 67 of the 73 mile stage, taking both of the bonus sprints and winning the sprinter's jersey.
Peanut Butter & Co/Twenty12 was the first team to organize a chase after 50 miles into the race but it took over 17 miles for the peloton to catch Samplonius. Just before the final climb began, a crash occurred, which took down a large group of riders, including some top contenders: Colavita's Carmen Small and TIBCO's Meredith Miller and Amanda Miller. VBF's Testroete got caught in the crash and was forced to chase to catch back on. As the climb began, Abbott attacked and quickly separated herself from the field and the gap widened. Both Farina and Powers were in the chase group behind, which included Colavita-Baci's Cath Cheatley, Webcor's Katheryn Mattis and Peanut Butter's Alisha Welsh. All three of which excel going uphill. But the damage was done, as Abbott finished 2:27 ahead of Cheatley and 3 minutes ahead of Mattis. Powers and Farina finished just behind Welsh who took 4th. "Mara just flew up the road today," said Powers, who is now 3:28 behind Abbott. "But this race isn't over yet and we're a determined bunch!"
Thursday's Inner Loop Stage is a 77 mile stage that features climbs, technical descents and flat, fast sections. "This course throws everything at the riders," said team director, Lisa Hunt. "It's supposed to be very windy, which could prove to make it even more difficult. We're ready for the challenge!"
Watch for updates on the team's Twitter and Facebook pages.
Photo: @Brian Hodes/VeloImages
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