Jonathan Cantwell steps on winner's podium once again, while Isaac Howe takes over the Series lead

Binghamton, NY - After a year of racing, Erica Allar held off Tiffany Pezzulo and Kacey Manderfield to win the USA CRITS Series at the women's final event, the 27th Annual Chris Thater Memorial in Binghamton, NY last weekend.

It was an animated women's race from the word go, with attacks and small breaks attempting to stay away but to no avail. Cath Cheatley and Colavita-Baci took responsibility at the front to protect their lead in the NRC, while Team TIBCO wanted a strong showing as this would be Brooke Miller's swan song.

With seven laps to go, Cheatley and Sam Schneider (TIBCO) were able to open a gap and were never seen again. It was a two up sprint to the finish, with Sam Schneider winning her first race on the USA CRITS Series and securing a second place finish in the Maxxis Best Young Rider competition.

In the field sprint, Pezzulo was going to have to finish about 25 places in front of Allar in order to take over the lead, which would prove difficult as Allar has placed in the top 10 at every Series' race. Allar and Pezzulo marked each other, finishing 9th and 13th, respectively, giving Allar more than enough points to becoming this year's USA CRITS Champion.

Lauren Ellis of BikeNZ was able to increase her lead and hold on to the Sportsbase Online Lap Leader Jersey, while Kacey Manderfield finished top 10 in the race to secure third in the overall taking home the Maxxis Best Young Rider jersey.

The men's race was the following day on a longer course than what the women raced. The 1.2 mile course with a nice hill after turn 1 kept the group together for most of the day. Andy Jacques-Maynes (Bissell) was able to take a solo flyer for 10 laps before being reeled back in by the peloton. A few other small groups also tried to get away, with a group of three being caught at the start/finish line with one lap to go.

A scary moment in the race came at 7 laps to go for the Series leader Clayton Barrows (AXA Equitable). Barrows went down in a crash, came into the pit for his free lap, but had to enter the pit again for a mechanical the very next lap.

In the end Jonathan Cantwell (Fly V Australia) continued his winning ways, taking his second USA CRITS race victory (Cantwell also won the Presbyterian Hospital Invitational). Teammate Bernie Sulzberger placed 2nd with UnitedHealthcare presented by Maxxis' Hilton Clark rounded out the top three.

Isaac Howe (Mountain Khakis) finished 8th while Clayton Barrows finished 12th place, giving Howe enough points to take over the Series lead. Hilton Clarke (UnitedHealthcare) still holds the Sportsbase Online Lap Leader jersey, while Howe also leads the Maxxis Best Young Rider competition.

The men's USA CRITS Finals will be held in Dallas, TX this year at the TX TOUGH GRAND PRIX III on September 16.

Women's Results - Chris Thater Memorial
1. Sam Schneider (TIBCO)
2. Cath Cheatley (Colavita-Baci)
3. Joanne Kiesanowski (TIBCO)

USA CRITS Overall presented by Champion System
1. Erica Allar (unattached), 1106 points
2. Tiffany Pezzulo (Treads.com/DFT), 979 points
3. Kacey Manderfield (Cycle Loft), 920 points

Sportsbase Online Lap Leader presented by VeloNews
Lauren Ellis (BikeNZ), 18 laps

Maxxis Best Young Rider presented by cyclingnews.com
Kacey Manderfield (Cycle Loft)

Men's Results - Chris Thater Memorial
1. Jonathan Cantwell (Fly V Australia)
2. Bernie Sulzberger (Fly V Australia)
3. Hilton Clarke (UnitedHealthcare presented by Maxxis)

USA CRITS Overall presented by Champion System
1. Isaac Howe (Mountain Khakis fueled by Jittery Joe's), 1489 points
2. Clayton Barrows (AXA Equitable), 1476 points
3. David Guttenplan (Mountain Khakis fueled by Jittery Joe's), 980 points

Sportsbase Online Lap Leader presented by VeloNews
Hilton Clarke (UnitedHealthcare presented by Maxxis)

Maxxis Best Young Rider presented by cyclingnews.com
Isaac Howe (Fly V Australia)

Photo: Leonard Basobas/LB Photos

Athens, GA - This weekend marks the first time the Women's USA CRITS Finals will be held in a city other than Sin City. The 27th Annual Chris Thater Memorial will serve as the grand finale for the women's Series on August 28. The women's event will be centerstage on Saturday, with a host of other races and festivities leading up to the last race of the day - the Women's USA CRITS Finals.

"The Chris Thater Memorial is the perfect race for the Women's Series to finish," says Jim May, Chris Thater's event director. "At Thater the women get their own chance to shine as the feature event on Saturday evening. All eyes will be on them."

Erica Allar still in the Orange Jersey

The battle for the Orange leader's jersey presented by Champion System has switched hands three times through the Series. Colavita-Baci's Theresa Cliff-Ryan held the lead after winning the opening event of the Series, the Terrapin Twilight Criterium in Athens, GA.

Treads.com/DFT's Tiffany Pezzulo was the apparent leader heading into the second event, the Giro d' Grafton in Grafton, WI, as Cliff-Ryan was not starting the race. Pezzulo and Erica Allar (Team Vera Bradley Foundation) were the top riders coming in from Athens and were only separated by 10 points. Pezzulo was able to hold off Allar in the sprint and gain valuable points to increase her lead over Allar by 19 points. Cycle Loft's Kacey Manderfield took over the Maxxis Best Young Rider's Jersey presented by Cyclingnews and would hold the lead in that competition going into the Finals, while race winner Jackie Crowell of Team Type 1 took over the lead in the Sportsbase Online Lap Leader Jersey presented by VeloNews.

Pezzulo donned the Champion System Orange leader's jersey at the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium in West Chester, PA. A late solo break by BikeNZ's Lauren Ellis could not be drawn back in, so it came down to a field sprint between Pezzulo and Allar. Allar was able to win the sprint, placing second in the race, and take the Orange leader's jersey on her shoulders and increasing her lead over Pezzulo by 11 points. Ellis' solo win meant she would take over the Sportsbase Online Lap Leader's Jersey.

The last race before the USA CRITS Finals was the Presbyterian Hospital Invitational in Charlotte, NC. Attack after attack tried to stick but this race and its $25,000 prize purse was going to come down to a bunch gallop down the finish. Cliff-Ryan walked away with her second USA CRITS victory, but Allar's 5th place finish was enough to keep her lead over Pezzulo going into the USA CRITS Finals at the Chris Thater Memorial.

Allar knows a thing or two about winning a Series title; last year she won the Best Young Rider competition. "I am honored to be in the lead heading into such a classic event as the Chris Thater Memorial," says Allar. "I was ecstatic to be able to follow all of the events on the Series, and I am looking forward to finishing the Series at Thater and defending my lead."

Pezzulo will be laying it all on the line at Thater, especially since the race is only a few hours from her hometown of Rochester, NY. "The Series has been great for me," says Pezzulo. "The racing has been awesome and all the courses have offered something really unique and interesting. I am excited about being in 2nd in the overall, and I'm looking forward to giving it everything at Thater. After a disappointing race in Charlotte, I'm especially motivated to come to Thater ready to fight as hard as I can to regain the leader's jersey."

Barrows and Howe Battle for Men's Crown

The Men's Series still has the Chris Thater Memorial to contest before its finals in Dallas, TX at the TX TOUGH GRAND PRIX III. The overall lead has never been so close with 2 races still to go. Clayton Barrows (AXA Equitable) has only a 4 point lead over Maxxis Best Young Rider Isaac Howe (Mountain Khakis). Watch for these two riders to be going head-to-head for the mid-race points prime. Reigning USA CRITS Champ, Mark Hekman (Mountain Khakis) knows what it takes to win the overall, so be on the lookout for Big Red to do a lion's share of the work for Howe.

Since Barrows and Howe (as well as their teams) will be marking each other, this opens up the race for another non-Series contender to take the race win. Fly V Australia and UnitedHealthcare presented by Maxxis have to be on top of that list. Fly V's Jonathan Cantwell is not on the start list so it will be up to Bernie Sulzberger or Aaron Kemp to fly the V Australia colors at Thater. Sportsbase Online Lap Leader Hilton Clarke of UnitedHealthcare presented by Maxxis is another favorite to win but do not count out Frank Pipp (Bissell) or fast-man Juan Pablo Dotti (Aerocat), both of which are backed by strong squads.

USA CRITS Women's Series - Event Winners
Terrapin Twilight Criterium (Athens, GA) - Theresa Cliff-Ryan, Colavita-Baci
Giro d' Grafton (Grafton, WI) - Jackie Crowell, Team Type 1
Iron Hill Twilight Criterium (West Chester, PA) - Lauren Ellis, BikeNZ
Presbyterian Hospital Invitational (Charlotte, NC) - Theresa Cliff-Ryan, Colavita-Baci

USA CRITS Leader presented by Champion System - Women
1. Erica Allar (Team Vera Bradley)
2. Tiffany Pezzulo (Treads.com/DFT)
3. Kacey Manderfield (Cycle Loft)

Maxxis Best Young Rider presented by Cyclingnews.com
Kacey Manderfield (Cycle Loft)

Sportsbase Online Lap Leader presented by VeloNews
Lauren Ellis (BikeNZ)

USA CRITS Leader presented by Champion System - Men
1. Clayton Barrows (AXA Equitable)
2. Isaac Howe (Mountain Khakis fueled by Jittery Joe's)
3. Mark Hekman (Mountain Khakis)

Maxxis Best Young Rider presented by Cyclingnews.com
Isaac Howe (Mountain Khakis fueled by Jittery Joe's)

Sportsbase Online Lap Leader presented by VeloNews
Hilton Clarke (UnitedHealthcare presented by Maxxis)

Allar sprints to 2nd at Iron Hill Twilight; Cash and Roettger contest NRC's Grand Cycling Classic

Erica Allar set her sights on the USA Crits Series overall leader’s jersey after finishing third at Athens Terrapin Twilights. Allar raced Athens, the first of the five races that make up the women’s series, in April. Three months later, she sprinted to second at the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium in West Chester, PA and snagged the leader’s jersey. “I’m excited have the jersey,” said Allar. “I can’t pretend I didn’t want to win the race, but the jersey was the main objective. I’m happy to have the jersey heading into Presby [Presbyterian Hospital Invitational Criterium] which is a hometown race.”

“The crowds were absolutely phenomenal,” noted Allar. “There were thousands and thousands and thousands of people out there tonight. It was awesome.” The women’s field treated the spectators to fireworks. The New Zealand National Team, Bike NZ, brought four riders to the race. “They had the numbers,” explained Allar, “I believe they were the pursuit team. It was pretty apparent that they wanted to get someone off the front, and with their track racing background, I knew that if they got someone off solo, they could stay away. This put solo riders like myself on the defensive.”

The four-corner criterium covered .8 miles with a long home and back stretch separated by two short one-block stretches. “The course was not a sleigh ride,” commented Allar. “The short blocks kept the pace very high, and turns three and four were pretty technical. Especially turn three.”

Allar reports that she went from the gun. Her initial goal was to keep the pace high in an effort to thin out the field. “On the first lap, I went to the front, and I drilled it,” said Allar. “It was an aggressive move.” Allar reports that she remained active throughout the race as she covered repeated attacks from Bike NZ and various solo riders. “Unfortunately because Bike NZ had the numbers, I couldn’t cover absolutely everything,” she said. “I covered and covered and covered some more. Lauren Ellis (Bike NZ) got off the front while I took a moment to recover, so I wasn’t able to cover that particular move. In the end, that was the move that stuck.

In the race for second, Allar took control of the final lap. She lead through the final two turns. “I felt that it was necessary to go through corner three first,” explained Allar. “It was so technical. The final stretch was well over 300m, so I held off winding up until I saw Sarah Caravella (Team CARD) moving up on the right. That’s when I knew to kick it for the [field sprint] win.” Caravella rounded out the podium for third.

Two races remain in the USA Crits Series. Erica Allar will look to defend the leader’s jersey with a full Team Vera Bradley Foundation squad at Presbyterian Hospital Invitation Criterium in Charlotte, NC. The women’s edition of USA Crits Series concludes at Chris Thater Memorial in Binghamton, NY.

While Allar put her stamp on the USA Crits Series, Carrie Cash and guest rider (and team designer) Chris Roettger turned their attention the NRC circuit. The Grand Cycling Classic in Grand Rapids, MI drew a small but formidable field that included four riders from TIBCO, Cath Cheatley (Colavita-Baci) and Laura Van Gilder (Mellow Mushroom).

Cash described the race as “active, aggressive and fast-paced.” Attacks were frequent but no break gained more than ten seconds. “We could always see the break going into a turn,” explained Cash. “Each break was within striking distance. We wanted to be in moves but with just us, we had be selective with what we could cover. Chris [Roettger] went with Meredith [Miller] (TIBCO) once, and that got shut down pretty quickly. Later she launched on her own, and Meredith brought her back. Jo [Kiesanowski] (TIBCO) timed her attack perfectly, and when Cath [Cheatley] joined her, I knew that we might have just seen the winning move go up the road.”

Cash’s instincts were right. The breakaway duo of Kiesanowski and Cheatley proved to be the right combination, and the field began to prepare to sprint for third. Cash describes a chaotic finish. “With two to go, I moved into the top five,” said Cash. “Meredith lit it up on the front and peeled off after the final corner. Laura [Van Gilder] launched with 300 meters to go. Nicole [Freedman] (Wheelworks Racing) had attacked with three turns to go. I thought we soaked her up going into the last turn, but she was on the right side all way against the barriers. I somehow just missed her.”

Van Gilder won the field sprint for the final podium spot. Freedman narrowly beat out Cash for fourth place. Cash ended the day in fifth. Roettger took eighth.

With the sprinters handling the big criteriums of the day, three other Team Vera Bradley Foundation riders contested local races. Carla Swart won the road race at the Piney Flats Omnium in Piney Flats, TN. Alison Powers and Anne Samplonious went fourth and fifth at the North Boulder Criterium in Boulder, CO.

Next on the NRC calendar for the team will be the Cascade Cycling Classic in Bend, OR on July 20-25.

Present, Perfect

While Erica Allar (Team Vera Bradley Foundation) and I have remained in touch over the years, it had been some time since we actually shared some decent face time. But that changed this past month as I was able to catch up with her in Arlington, Virginia, the site of her Clarendon Cup victory last year, for the 2010 Air Force Cycling Classic.

Kind and sensitive, intelligent and quick-witted, and easily approachable as well as to laugh, Erica has always surprised me with her uncanny ability to stay in the present. Whether it is a by-product of a good upbringing or something inherent in her personality, but as we switched from topics ranging from Lil’ Wayne’s grill to the complexities of being employed as a professional cyclist, there was never a question of whether or not Erica was engaged in those instantaneous moments that make up a conversation. In this overly processed and digitally connected world, it is a characteristic that is not only refreshing, but also serves her well in the trenches of the women’s peloton, where focus and staying attentive is vital to one’s success, and on this day in June, even one’s livelihood.

Lenny B (LB): It has often been said that “You have to learn to follow before you can lead.” Where do you see your development in that equation?

Erica Allar (EA): There is no doubt in my mind that, like many things in life and especially with cycling for an ‘up-and-comer’ athlete- we must learn a majority of our knowledge from those who precede us. I am lucky to have a coach who has been involved in this sport for a very long time. He has experienced racing from juniors all the way to the Olympics. His input and knowledge is very “learn to follow before leading”. He has had plenty of experience and has been through a lot of different scenarios. There is such an abundance of knowledge that comes from his own personal experience that he can teach not just myself but the other athletes he coaches as well, important lessons and vital details as we all climb the hill to success. I also believe that never mind the fact that I may not always be on the same team as some of the other women; I have had great opportunities to watch, observe and race against or with great racers like Tina Pic, Laura Van Gilder and Ina Teutenberg. By learning from my coach and observing these other great racers (even watching video of the Tour de France and other big races) I am able to learn from the best of the best. All of these things help me follow in the footsteps of the great riders I look up to. When I think about it, this sport is quite amazing. It’s a constant learning environment. Before I am in a position to be successful, give back and teach the youngsters of the sport I must learn, watch, observe, interpret and follow the most successful racers in the sport. It all comes full circle and I feel it’s a necessary component of success in cycling.

LB: What are your greatest strength(s) as a rider?

EA: It is no secret that in cycling the strongest, best, fastest rider does not always win the race. There are big races that are won in under-dog moments. Those times are beautiful in my opinion; and it is just one of the many aspects to this sport that helps make cycling the exciting and multifaceted sport that it is. I developed early on racing on the velodrome. I have good bike handling skills, am tactically smart and know how to be as efficient as possible in most race situations. I prefer a technical criterium but fancy some fun road races as well. My ability to conserve energy and stay out of the wind while maintaining position really allows me to (hopefully) be in the right place at the right time when the end of the race approaches. It is no secret that I am not the most powerful or strongest racer in the circuit; however, I have a certain level of strength and skill ability that makes me a threat in most race situations.

LB: Cycling, it has been said, is pain. Many like to serve it up, but few enjoy enduring it. Do you think that is what separates a good rider from a truly great rider? How do you cope with the pain during a race and what is your tolerance to it?

EA: In all honesty, I have firsthand experience when it comes to cycling and the amount of pain it takes to be successful. I don’t mean that I am great sufferer and accept the pain with open arms. On the contrary, when I first began riding I wasn’t very good. I didn’t understand that this sport was all about a racers personal pain threshold and how much hurt someone can inflict on their own body. Cycling can be a great weekend hobby or given the right amount of sting, it can be one of the toughest sports out there. There is a necessary amount of strength, skill and power needed to be successful; however, the pain cave and the ability to live in it day after day is most definitely a factor that makes a good rider, a great rider. When I am racing it is easier for me to accept the pain as part of the race. I look around the field and see my competition and know what I am personally capable of. As a race finisher and/or sprinter I don’t often chase down breaks or race as the much appreciated “work horses”, though knowing there are a group of girls who back each other up and in a field sprint situation are counting on me, it is simple to deal with pain.

LB: Bumps, bruises and scrapes come with the territory. You have had your fair share of battle wounds, is there an occasion that sticks out in your mind?

EA: There is one particular moment that I won’t ever forget. It was in 2008 when I was racing the Visalia Criterium with my first pro team Aaron’s. It was a great crit course and a crash in turn 3 on the inside caused a domino effect to the outside of the field. It took out at least half of the field, if not more! I was going around the corner and had girls sliding out in front me. In order to miss falling down I never turned. I actually went straight toward a curb. I somehow realized I was going to hit the curb and bunny hopped it and ‘end-oed’ right into a bush. I didn’t think I would be hurt but after I crawled my way out of the shrubbery I was in a fair amount of pain. The reason it was so memorable was because I went to the pit and had leaves and branches poking out of my shoes, helmet and my bike. I walked into the pit limping and my director at the time (Carmen D) didn’t think I’d be able to get back in. I pulled the trees out of my equipment and did a cross mount on my bike to get back in. I ended up going down again in the last turn on the last lap as well but that crash was a lot less eventful, mostly just disappointing. Jumping the curb into a bush despite the pain was really quite humorous! I can only imagine what that would look like on video!

LB: You have ridden for and with some of great cycling people. Do you have any cycling role models?

EA: I love Lance [Armstrong]. [Laughs] Well, Lance is great. He is a voice and a recognizable entity in the sport of cycling. He is great; though we’ve never met in person! In all reality I really appreciate Rebecca Twigg and the success that she experienced on both the road and the track. I also appreciate watching Ina Teutenberg race because she is so unrelenting and I think what Evie Stevens has accomplished between last season and this season is just awesome. Her personal success and the impact she has for women’s cycling is really fantastic.

LB: You have been on both ends of the spectrum in the ever evolving world of women’s cycling. What do you think about the current state women’s cycling? Are there things that you would change?

EA: These are all very good questions. I don’t have just one simple answer when it comes to my opinion about the current state of women’s cycling. I do believe that as women we train and race just as much, as hard and as passionately as the men do. As a 24 year old (racing age 25) in this sport I find it shocking that women’s cycling lacks the amount of support it takes to develop the younger riders. On many of the men’s teams there must be a certain number of U27 riders to fill the team roster. The lack of support straight across the board in women’s cycling does not allow our field to have many of those young riders. When there is not much support for the developing girls and the time comes to choose between cycling and college, college may take precedence. The well-established, already promised riders who have been around and are a guaranteed investment for teams and their sponsors receive the support. I will be forever grateful to Carmen D’Aluisio for being the first director to take a chance on me and sign me to my first pro team in 2008 (Aaron’s). I was an unknown rider who in 2007 was trying to prove herself worthy. Carmen saw it and took a chance. I would not have been able to accomplish the results I got in 2007 without the help of Pat Marzi and James Carney. They made it a point to support not just myself but a few other young riders and help us develop the potential they saw in us. I’ve been very lucky and I know not everyone has the same opportunities that I did and that is really sad to me.

LB: Some would argue that it’s not the product but in how you market it. As it pertains to women’s cycling, how would you market the sport? Along those lines, what is appropriate?

EA: In terms of how I would market this sport? Women. I am a woman. I race against women. I relate to other women and as a member of Team Vera Bradley Foundation I am now a voice to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer- something that affects so many women every day. I feel like I am a role model to young girls and I personally, can have a positive impact on women. The relationship between cyclists like myself and other women is a huge factor. I believe that a lady who wants to ride will be more motivated and more accepting of the bike if she can connect with the other women who ride. Men’s cycling already draws the attention of females. Other males want to be like the male cyclists to attract females. Women need to relate to the sport in a way that is not intimidating. There needs to be an association attached to the sport that allows what can be interpreted as a masculine activity to maintain some level of femininity for women. I think Vera Bradley getting involved in women’s cycling is a great way for women to relate to the sport in away that relatable, motivational, not intimidating while being accessible and fun.

LB: What are your short-term goals as a cyclist…long-term goals? What are your goals in life, outside of cycling?

EA: I want to learn how to rap. I learned how to do a track stand a few years ago so I’m pretty satisfied….
My short-term goals as a cyclist consist mostly of me continuing my development, to keep learning and grow exponentially as a cyclist. I want to put a stamp on domestic racing and become a consistent name in the results. After that, I see myself doing some of the big Euro races and maybe even pursuing some world level events. I came into the sport racing on the Velodrome so track racing has a special place in my heart. It’s where I learned all my skills (as well as skills learned in our top secret ninja class). I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t think about World Cups, Worlds and the Olympics.

In life - I want to be in a position to give back. Not just in cycling though it’s a major focus- but in general. Cycling has a tendency to be a selfish sport and offsetting the self-absorbed nature by giving back to others is something I believe in. Not to be completely cheesy, but the merit of Team Vera Bradley Foundation is one that is so beyond all of us, I find it to be the perfect place to start! I’ve had my own version of Mr. Miyagi in life. I’ve had a good example of what it means to give back. I want to be the karate kid.

LB: What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?

EA: I think that feet are the most disgusting, appalling, nasty, horrific things in the world. I don’t care who you are or how pretty you think your feet are; your feet are gross. They aren’t cute.

LB: Ten things you currently cannot live without?

EA: 1. Ricky Martin, 2. Chocolate Cake, 3. My Dad and Mom, 4. Cats, 5. Music/iPod, 6. The Sun, 7. 111, 8. Laughter, 9. Red wine, and 10. Food and sleep (I get really grouchy when I don’t have those 2 things so it’s better for everyone if I don’t live without them! It’s all about giving back! [Laughs]

Part I - On The Rise | Part II - Transitions

Follow Erica on Twitter or on Facebook
Follow Team Vera Bradley Foundation on Twitter or on Facebook

Photos: Leonard Basobas/LB Photos

Samplonius Seconnd in Canadian Time Trial; Allar Sprints to Second in U.S. Criterium Nationals

Anne Samplonious finished second at the Canadian Cycling Association Elite National Time Trial Championships in Devon, Alberta. She covered the 20K out and back course in 29:53. Just over two seconds separated Samplonious from winner Julie Beveridge (Vienne Futuroscope). Tara Whitten (Specialized Mazda) rounded out the podium. “Julie Beveridge rode an amazing time trial today,” noted Samplonious. “This has been a huge goal for her, so it was good to see her pull it off. I’m happy for her.”

While happy for Beveridge, Samplonious candidly admits that she would have loved the top step for herself. “Of course, I wanted the win,” she said. “I always want the win. I had a good ride, so I’m happy with that. It would have been nice to have found those 2.3 seconds somewhere.”

Samplonious said the course conditions were exactly as she had anticipated. She had predicted wind would be the biggest factor on the mostly flat course. “There was one descent and a climb on the way out when we rode into a river valley, and it was reversed on the way back. At the top of the climb on the way back, there's less than 5K to go. If you go too hard or are in too big of a gear on that climb, you’re not able to get into the big gear to finish it off,” Samplonious explained. “That was a bit tactical. The only part of the course that required some thought.”

With the time trial behind her, Samplonious and Alison Testroete now turn their attention to the road race. Samplonious looks to make the race as hard as she can from the gun in order to whittle the peloton down to a small group. “The smaller group, the better our chances,” commented Samplonious. “It should be fast, aggressive race.”

Erica Allar gave Team Vera Bradley Foundation its second podium finish of the day at the USA Cycling Elite National Criterium Championships in Bend, OR. Allar sprinted to second behind Shelley Evans (Peanut Butter & Co Twenty12). Lauren Tamayo (Peanut Butter & Co Twenty12) placed third after delivering Evans to the line.

Team Vera Bradley Foundation went into the 50K criterium with a focused plan. “Our goal was to race aggressively and make it fast,” said team director Lisa Hunt. “I told Alison [Powers], Robin [Farina], Lauren [Hall] and Kristin [Sanders] to attack. Erica was to conserve and be ready for the sprint. They executed brilliantly.”

Lauren Hall launched the first attack of the race. When she was caught, Farina countered. Powers and Sanders followed suit. TIBCO and Colavita-Baci bridged up to to every move, but no breakaway ever got more than ten seconds on the field. “With every team fielding a sprinter, the race seemed destined to come down to a bunch finish,” stated Hunt. “We wanted to keep the speed up and weed out the weaker riders while keeping Erica protected throughout the race.”

Kirstin Sanders took a solo flyer for two laps with five laps remaining in the race. She launched as TIBCO and Peanut Butter & Company had just begun to set up their lead-out trains. The timing caught the teams off guard as they were forced to chase. “I was super motivated to race a good crit for Erica. I believe in her so much and wanted to do whatever I could to support her finish,” said Sanders. “I went off solo twice for several laps. It was hard! I’m so happy for her. She deserved this in a big way.”

Alison Powers went off the front shortly before the field saw two laps to go. “This turned out to be an awesome move,” commented Allar. “It allowed us to avoid the crash in turn four.” The crash took out race favorites Brooke Miller (TIBCO) and Theresa Cliff-Ryan (Colavita-Baci).

Meredith Miller (TIBCO) lead through the final corner followed by Tamayo and Evans. Allar sat on Evans’ wheel. “Shelley [Evans] came around Lauren [Tamayo] when I was getting ready to launch my sprint,” explained Allar. “Her form is incredible right now. She had me by a bike length at the line. I’ll get her eventually. Today, the win was all hers.”

Allar is quick to celebrate the result as a team success. “I appreciate everything the girls did tonight,” Allar said. “They did all the work. I’m happy with second. A podium at Nationals is fantastic. It’s a good addition to the results yesterday in the time trial.”

Photos: Leonard Basobas/LB Photos (bottom)

Of the several types of bicycle racing formats, criterium racing remains the most popular form in the United States. Fast and furious, it is the racing style to which many of us are first introduced and therefore the one to which we work to excel.

On Friday, many of our country's top criterium racers took to the streets of Bend, Oregon to vie for the US Criterium National Championship at the USA Cycling Elite National Championships. Shelley Evans (Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY12) captured the honor in the Elite/U23 Women's race, while Trek/LIVESTRONG's Benjamin King took home the men's crown.

Evans, a world-class racer on the track, has seamlessly transferred those talents to the road and seems to be growing by leaps and bounds this year under the guidance of Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY12 Director Sportif, Kristin Armstrong. A winner at this year's Women's Tour of New Zealand, the diminutive powerhouse outpaced and outsmarted Team Vera Bradley Foundation's Erica Allar in the final kilometers to take this year's stars & stripes jersey.

Paced by her lead-out, the unsung Lauren Tamayo, Shelley applied the lessons learned earlier this month at the Liberty Classic and jumped before Allar could take out her own sprint.

“Lauren was my lead-out, Evans explained to Cyclingnews. "There were a few attacks coming into the finish. Meredith Miller attacked out of the last corner and Lauren covered it. I was sitting on Lauren’s wheel. She was patient and waited until 250 metres to go. I had Erica Allar on my wheel and when I sensed that she was going to jump, I did. Lauren held on for third which was very impressive.”

Allar took home the silver, while Tamayo rounded out the podium.

Evan's win capped off a stellar day for the California-based Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY12 squad as Coryn Rivera took home her 27th US National Championship jersey by winning the Junior 17-18 criterium, while teammate Ruth Winder claimed third.

Results - Elite/U23 Women
1. Shelley Evans (Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12)
2. Erica Allar (Team Vera Bradley Foundation)
3. Lauren Tamayo (Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12)
4. Carmen Small (COLAVITA/BACI presented by COOK)
5. Jennifer Wheeler (Lake Washington Velo)
6. Samantha Schneider (Team TIBCO-To The Top)
7. Meredith Miller (Altoona Bicycle Club)
8. Alison Powers (Team Vera Bradley Foundation)
9. Katharine Carroll (Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12)
10. Sinead Miller (Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12)

In the U23 men's race, Benjamin King (Trek/LIVESTRONG U23) took the two-up sprint over Oscar Clark (Mountain Kkakis Fueled), while King's teammate Justin Williams, winner of the inaugural Sacramento Grand Prix, proved to be the best of the bunch in taking the sprint for third.

Results - U23 Men
1. Benjamin King (Trek Livestrong U23)
2. Oscar Clark (Mountain Khakis Fueled)
3. Justin Williams (Trek Livestrong U23)
4. Luke Keough (BikeReg.com/Cannondale)
5. Logan Loader (Lucemie Espoir Quimper)
6. Gavin Mannion (Trek Livestrong U23)
7. Daniel Summerhill (Garmin-Transitions/Team Holowesko)
8. Shane Kline (Bissell Pro Cycling)
9. Jerome Townsend (BikeReg.com/Cannondale)
10. Bryan Larsen (Ranchos Cycling Club)

Photo: Rob Evans/OTB Photo

Transitions

Change, as they say, is inevitable. For many of us, the biggest transition usually occurs some time after our last final exam when we are finally thrust into a world without the structure, and constraints, of academia. Change can occur at lightning speed and in many instances, all at once during this important juncture of our lives. In Erica Allar’s case, it was a combination of both.

At the same time that Erica was completing her degree in Letters, Arts and Sciences with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership from Penn State University and planning a post-baccalaureate move to North Carolina, Aaron’s Corporate Furnishings, a long lived and stable sponsor of women’s cycling, chose not to renew the sponsorship of their women’s professional cycling team.

The departure of Aaron’s was but the first in a series of events that changed the domestic women’s cycling scene that year, and the domino effect left Erica, and the rest of her Aaron’s teammates, scrambling. She was fortunate to land with another high profile team, Colavita-Sutter Home, for the 2009 season. But shortly after she debuted in their team colors at the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Criterium, Erica transferred over to the North Carolina based team BMW-Bianchi.

With a more tenable situation, she would garner victories at two National Racing Calendar events; the Air Force Cycling Classic in Arlington, Virginia and later at the Nature Valley Grand Prix as a guest rider for ValueAct Capital. But after another tectonic shift in the landscape of women’s cycling, Erica found herself on a new, but familiar team, Team Vera Bradley Foundation, formerly ValueAct Capital, for 2010.

Lenny B (LB): Last year was one of transitions for you, in many ways. Can you talk about that a bit?

Erica Allar (EA): Last year was a learning experience and a blessing. This sport relies heavily on foundation and building year after year. Last year was a building year and I’m very much so looking forward to the 2010 race season with Team Vera Bradley Foundation while adding to the foundation that I’ve got. I really believe this season is going to be great and part of it is a result of me coming into my own a little more. I know I have a long way to go and I still have an immense amount of learning to do. I feel as though it will be easier to keep things in perspective and not let what is truly important get lost in translation. Last year’s transitions allowed me to come out of my shell a little, dip my toes into the chocolate frosting and know myself a little more. I have big plans and while I figure all of them out I am going to race my bike and raise money for the Vera Bradley Foundation.

LB: You rode as a guest rider for ValueAct Capital (Team VBF) last year, pulling off a great win during the Nature Valley Grand Prix. Was that your most significant win to date? If not, what is?

EA: Winning the Cannon Falls Road Race stage at Nature Valley was definitely a milestone for me. There was a lot of emotion wrapped around that stage win. In 2007 I represented Penn State University on the Ryan All Stars Collegiate team and finished 2nd behind Brooke Miller on the same stage. That was where I met Carmen D’Aluisio, the former director for Aaron’s. I feel it was this stage that was the gateway to my career as a professional cyclist. The only other event I feel quite attached to in terms of significance is the Susan G. Komen Tour of Georgia Criterium I had won early on in 2007. That was the first time I had won a big event…it was a big eye opener for me on multiple levels.

LB: An article at the start of this season suggested that you might be the future of US women’s cycling, but it also took some liberties with regards to your appearance. How did you feel about the article?

EA: I felt it was well written until I got to the cleavage part. I was actually very disappointed when I read that because it wasn't necessary. I'm flattered to be part of a list of such well known cyclists and to be described as he did...I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. But the main thing is that I pride myself on being a bike racer of development, growth and value. I want to be a good team mate and a cyclist who works toward winning races and being the best. I work toward being the “tough as nails, sweet personality with the determination of Kristin Armstrong rider” he describes, but not one whose cleavage is a part of that character. It was especially dissatisfying because I now race for Team Vera Bradley Foundation; a foundation created in 1998 that raises funds to help eradicate breast cancer; a disease that affects so many women in multiple ways. The cleavage comment; I feel, doesn't go hand-in-hand for what Team VBF stands for. I am all for being proud of yourself, the way you look and what you accomplish in life but the comment was simply unnecessary.

LB: You had the opportunity to meet with the people of the Vera Bradley Foundation during a photo shoot before the start of the season. What was that experience like? Does it provide you with some added motivation knowing that you are riding for a sponsor that supports such an important cause?

EA: It was a great opportunity to travel out to Napa Valley and see the production behind the company catalogues and marketing aspects. And the new prints for the fall! The most rewarding portion of the trip was meeting Barb (the Founder of Vera Bradley) and Amy, her daughter who works heavily with the photo shoots for the company. Each member of the company and the ambassadors and supporters of the foundation are so passionate about the product and what the Vera Bradley Foundation stands for that it is hard not to be motivated and excited to be riding for Team VBF!

LB: How was training camp this year? How has it compared to previous camps?

EA: Camp is always a highly anticipated time of year. It’s often referred to as “Christmas in March” (or whichever month teams choose to have their camp) because you show up and receive all your race schwag. The Team VBF camp was really fun. There was a fair amount of rain in the beginning but the girls have a great chemistry and I really feel that coming together under the Vera Bradley Foundation cause is something that allowed us to mesh on an even more intimate level. We are not just bike racers this year. We are advocates for a cause that is greater than all of us. Of course we want to win races, but we also want to reach our season goal of raising $22,500 for the foundation and raising awareness of the disease. Camp was based around learning about breast cancer, the Foundation and riding the beautiful roads of NorCal. And, of course, there were the top secret ninja fighting courses we took together too...but those are top secret and I’ve said enough already… If I told you any more, well, I’d have to kill you [Smiles].

LB: You have known most of your new teammates in some capacity through racing, but in differing degrees. How easy/difficult is it to forge the types of bonds (trust, positioning, etc), in a camp, that are needed in the heat of a race?

EA: One of the main goals of team camp is to get to know your team mates and establish a trust with one another in riding together. I have been team mates with two of the girls previously and ride often with one other girl. Many of us ladies have raced against each other in the peloton for quite some time, which allows us, as teammates, to have a basic understanding of what type of rider the others are like. Of course there’s a honey moon period where we really get comfortable with one another. That helps a lot and this usually happens at team camp.

LB: What will be your role this year on Team Vera Bradley Foundation?

EA: Team VBF has really stepped up its game for the 2010 season. It’s a new start with new riders and new opportunities. My position on the team is to apply my skills and abilities in bunch sprints or field sprints etc. It is a big leap to take on this position but I am excited. There are moments I sit back and take it all in. Sometimes it makes me really nervous. The good thing is that we have a solid team this year and we will all be able to help push, motivate and be backbones for one another in multiple race situations. I am excited for the chance to challenge myself and compete against the best in the nation. My other job is to be an ambassador for the Vera Bradley Foundation. We are a group of girls who work toward a universal goal of winning as many races as possible while raising awareness and funds for a universal disease; breast cancer. I take to heart the fact that yes, I am a sprinter/race finisher but this year, I am so much more than that now. I am now a representative for the Vera Bradley Foundation and a voice for breast cancer awareness. It’s really nice to have a greater meaning attached to my involvement in cycling. I saw my mom’s best friend struggle with breast cancer last summer. She is healthy now which is fantastic but it is something very painful and difficult to see someone go through. I am excited to be a race finisher but more grateful to be part of something so grand.

LB: Are there any specific races that you are targeting this year, individually…as a team?

EA: As a team, the stage races are really important. We’ve got the former national TT champion and current NRC champion Alison Powers with us who dominated the stage race events last year. This year with Team VBF, we have an incredibly strong army of GC riders who can contribute in different ways to the overall success of the team at these events. Those same GC riders can also contribute in the big one-day races which is ideal. Personally, I want to be able to contribute to the team overall while trying to achieve success in some of the big one-day events such as the Presbyterian Criterium in Charlotte, NC and naturally, Criterium Nationals in Bend, OR (update: Erica garnered the silver medal in the US Criterium Nationals). There are a lot of opportunities for success this year. Of course I’d like to do well at those 2 specific events but the beautiful crazy thing about this sport is that you don’t always have the power to dictate which races you will ride well in. Sometimes it’s more about patience, luck and being in the right place at the right time. Realistically, I just want to try and be in those places more often.

LB: To date, what achievement(s) are you most proud?

EA: There is no doubt the fact that I am a 24-year-old woman and somehow still managing a way to race her bike at the highest level in the US is a proud achievement for me. I’ve been racing for a while now, but before 2006 and 2007 I was awful on the bike. No, really…awful. I have been very lucky with the amount of support I have had in my upbringing through this sport. It isn’t normal and most girls in their early twenties don’t have access to the same support. Many of the girls in our current peloton didn’t even START racing until they were my age…I have been racing since my early twenties and am still here. That’s a big deal.

But like Lance said, it’s not about the bike and outside of cycling I am most proud of being the first in my family to graduate from a four year college. When I got my official Penn State degree in the mail I was elated. I would have cried but Chuck Norris taught me not to…maybe ONE tear fell but you’ll never know.

I’m also really proud of having my cat, Pooker, for 15.5 years. She passed away just after my 24th birthday in November of 2009, but she was an awesome kitty. Bless her heart.

In Part III, we look at Erica’s strengths as a person and racer as well as touch on the topic that is fundamental to our discussion, women’s cycling.

Part I -On The Rise | Part III - Present, Perfect

Follow Erica on Twitter or on Facebook
Follow Team Vera Bradley Foundation on Twitter or on Facebook

Photos: Steve Klein (top); Brian Hodes (middle); Leonard Basobas (bottom)

I was not privy to the conversation occurring in the row in front of me for most of the flight, not that I am particularly averse to eavesdropping, but mainly because I am the type that begins to yawn as soon as the door is slammed shut and the cabin is pressurized. But as the process of disembarking began to commence, some three hours later, my ears perked up when the travel weary, but smiling young woman ahead of me invited the elder couple to come out and watch her race.

Wrapped up in the excitement of covering my first major race, it did not take very long for me to catch up with the then 22-year old Erica Allar, who coincidentally was out in California to participate in the inaugural Amgen Tour of California Women’s Criterium. To my surprise, Erica already had a working knowledge of our site given that I had recently completed an interview with one of her former teammates, Shannon Hutchison-Krupat, a true stalwart of the once mighty Aaron’s Professional Women’s Cycling Team.

As we waited by the baggage carousel, she would relay the details of her trip; the flight, the conversation with the couple seated next to her, the sponsor arranged trip to a local bike shop and the upcoming race in Santa Rosa. Though we would soon quickly part ways, we have continued to carry on a running conversation since that sun-filled day in February of 2008.

In the first of my three-part interview with Erica Allar (Team Vera Bradley Foundation), we take a look back at her early days on the bicycle and how an unproductive and disinterested cyclist turned herself into one of the top sprinters on the domestic circuit.

On The Rise

Although the great cycling state of Pennsylvania can easily claim Erica Allar as one of their own, the 24-year-old was originally born in DeKalb, Illinois. “We lived in Illinois until I was 6 and then moved to Liverpool, New York. My dad got a promotion at work and when I was 12 we moved to Fogelsville, PA.”

She would dabble in a variety of sports as a youngster, but it was ultimately the move to Pennsylvania that helped shape her future. “I had never even heard of bike racing or “The Tour” before PA. My first sport was gymnastics…I was pretty flexible so my mom and dad enrolled me at “Which Way Is Up” where I enjoyed pointing my toes and prancing around the floor in bright, girly leotards. I learned how to do a round-off back handspring and then dropped that sport kind of the like the balance beam dropped me. After gymnastics, I bent it like Beckham in soccer, shot hoops in basketball and when I moved to PA I even ran some hurdles in track and field. I didn’t even know bike racing existed until PA happened.”

Introduced to the sport through a friend she met in school, Erica joined a developmental program and raced the early part of her career exclusively on the track, where she competed in most every event available, and as she pointed out, even “getting down and dirty in some Keirin action,” as well. But it was not until she would meet up with Pat Marzi and James Carney that her true potential as a cyclist was realized. “I didn’t really take the sport seriously and was not fully applying myself…2006 was a pretty life changing year.”

She would payback their efforts handsomely by winning the 2006 U23 National Criterium Championships. ”There was a point in that race when I realized that I could really win my first national title. When I made it safely to the last corner of the course I realized it was really going to happen and when I crossed the line first I was so proud I had tears in my eyes. It was awesome, also, because I won my first title in front of Pat and James which really meant a lot.”

In 2007, she would make the permanent move to the road. Racing solo and playing off the bigger teams in the field throughout the year, Erica would garner her first professional contract with Aaron’s Professional Women’s Cycling team in 2008. Under the guidance of Carmen D’Aluisio, she would learn to navigate the world of women’s professional cycling and the responsibilities that come with being a team member.

By year’s end, her second place finish at the 2008 Tour of Missouri Women’s Criterium all but seemed to signal that she had arrived.

In Part II, we take a brief moment to reflect on Erica’s frenzied 2009 season and look closer at what drives her new team.

Part II - Transitions | Part III - Present, Perfect

Follow Erica on Twitter or on Facebook
Follow Team Vera Bradley Foundation on Twitter or on Facebook

Photos: Brian Hodes (top); Leonard Basobas (bottom)

Bend, OR - Team Vera Bradley Foundation will be aiming for National Championship titles in both the U.S. and Canada this week. This is the first time that all National Championships - both in North America and in Europe - will be held at the same time.

This is the second consecutive year that the USA Cycling Elite National Time Trial and Road Race championships have been held in Bend, OR. The Criterium championships make their Bend debut this year after a long run in Downers Grove, IL. The Team Vera Bradley Foundation women have high hopes of climbing onto the top step of the podium this week in all three disciplines.

The Time Trial will be held on Thursday, June 24. 2008 National Time Trial Champion, Alison Powers, aims to regain her title. “The field is really strong this year,” remarked Powers. “For several years we’ve had nationals at a strange time of year, so a lot of the U.S. girls who race in Europe have not been able to race our national championships. This year, we have everyone here. The person who wins tomorrow will truly be the best time trialist in the nation.”

Robin Farina and Kristin Sanders will also contest TT Nationals. Farina finished 11th in the TT last year; Sanders finished 12th. Both riders spent time in the wind tunnel earlier this year to perfect their positioning.

The trio will be joined by former U23 National Criterium Champion, Erica Allar, and Lauren Hall for the Criterium and Road Race Championships. Unlike the Downers Grove course, the criterium course in Bend is a flat, fast rectangular course. “I’m looking forward to this,” commented Allar. “It’s a new course for everyone, so that puts us all in the same playing field. To make up for the lack of technicality that made Downers Grove so interesting, I expect the teams to make the race aggressive and hard. It should be good.”

The final event for the elite women is the 113K road race held around the challenging Aubrey Butte circuit. Last year, a small breakaway group held off a hard charging field with Meredith Miller (TIBCO) taking the win. A similar situation could occur this year. “I wouldn’t be surprised if a break got away,” said director Lisa Hunt. “We have a strong team here, and all of our riders can ride a breakaway and win. It’s a great course for us.”

Testroete and Samplonious Hope for Maple Leaves

Edmonton, AB Canada - While the American contingent races in Bend, their Canadian counterparts prepare for the Canadian Cycling Elite National Championships in Edmonton, Alberta. Nationals were last held in Edmonton in 1994.

Canadian Nationals opens for the women with the time trial on Friday, June 25. The TT course is a wide-open fairly straight forward out and back. The road ventures into a river valley with a little descent and a short power climb. Without any tree coverage on the course, wind will likely be a factor.

Anne Samplonious, a multiple-time former National Canadian TT Champion and silver medalist at the 1994 World TT Championship, recognizes that Tara Whitten is the favorite on this course. “She is a double world champion on track this year and won nationals last year,” said Samplonious. “Still, I’d love to win. That’s my goal. If not, I definitely want to podium.” Samplonious finished 3rd in the time trial last year after suffering mechanical issues.

Alison Testroete, current Canadian National Road Champion, will contest both the time trial and road race with Samplonious. She looks to defend her title against a competitive field on Sunday, June 27. The 127K road race is a bit hillier than the course on which Testroete rode to victory last year. Samplonious considers it a course that favors sprinters and hopes to see Testroete win from a break. “I’d rather not see it come down to a bunch sprint,” commented said Samplonious. “Alison’s a good breakaway rider. She can win this race on smarts. I’d like to see her get in a break without the top sprinters. It’s something she’s capable of pulling off.”

Carrie Cash will continue to seek out a jersey of a different sort through the week. After winning the yellow and white spotted leader’s jersey at Tour of America’s Dairyland on Sunday, Cash missed the winning break in Monday’s road race. The road race offered double points, and the finish led to a complete reshuffle of the overall omnium. Cash’s third place finish at the Sheboygan Criterium in Sheboygan, WI yesterday afternoon has moved her back up to third in the overall. With her sights set on yellow, Cash races the Trek Waterloo Classic in Waterloo, WI this afternoon. The Tour of America’s Dairyland continues through Sunday.

Photos: © Brian Hodes/VeloImages

Allar wins in Appleton; Cash moves into leader's jersey

Appleton, WI - Team Vera Bradley Foundation dominated the podium at the Appleton Criterium in Appleton, WI. Erica Allar sprinted to victory and Carrie Cash took second on day four of the Tour of America’s Dairyland. Cash’s finish moved her into the spotted yellow leader’s jersey. “When we hit the final corner, Erica launched her sprint. I waited another 15 meters before hitting it hard on the right hand side. I saw Erica doing a victory salute just before I crossed the line. One. Two. That’s a fantastic finish for us. I’m really happy,” said Cash, the new overall omnium leader.

Going into the Appleton Criterium, Allar planned to make the race aggressive. “I wanted to ride hard and make sure, if nothing else, I got in a good workout before Nationals,” said Allar. “I was a lot more aggressive than usual. I knew Carrie was focused on the overall, and I knew that if I went out there and made the race hard -- just had some fun with it -- Carrie could mark the few girls she needed to watch and maybe get in a little bit of rest before going into the week.”

Cash called the race “fairly uneventful.” She described staying protected and out of the wind as she floated around the field. “Erica was as aggressive as she had planned to be. She attacked a few times. Kept things moving. There just wasn’t much else happening. People would try get get off and get brought back fairly quickly. Nothing really stuck.”

Late in the race, Cash joined a break of four that included Tiffany Pezzulo (Treads.com) and Jackie Crowell (Team Type 1). Like Cash, both Pezzulo and Crowell have indicated they plan to race the entire series and are focused on the omnium. “When I saw Jackie go, I knew I needed to be on that,” said Cash. “But like everything else, we were shut down almost immediately.”

A crash in the first turn with seven laps to go animated the race slightly. With two laps to go, Cash and Allar began to move up. The pace slowed and the field spread across the road with one lap remaining. “That’s when Kori [Seehafer] (Team Type 1) hit it,” recalled Cash. “Erica filed in behind her, and I went with them. Kori launched her sprint and Erica was able to come around pretty easily for the win.”

The Tour of America’s Dairyland moves to Elkhart Lake, WI for day five. Racers will contest the Road America Road Race. Pro Women have 48 miles on tap and double points for the overall omnium on the line. Cash looks to hold onto the leader’s jersey and Allar is focused on making the race as active as possible while supporting Cash’s place in the overall. While they both know today’s race is important one, there’s something else on their minds. Our friends at the Vera Bradley Foundation introduced us to Ellie Potvin via Twitter last week. At the age of six, Potvin was diagnosed with a rare form of pediatric stage 4 cancer in July of 2008. She went into remission last summer only to learn three months later that her tumors hard returned. After radiation, chemotherapy, more chemotherapy and alternative treatments, the Potvin family has brought their daughter home for hospice care. To join the online community that has rallied around the Potvins as they pray for a miracle, go to www.twitter.com/lifeupellie. “Win or lose today,” said Cash. “I’m riding for Ellie.”

Photo: Leonard Basobas/LB Photos