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Fraser and Bessette shine at Pomona

Gord Goes Two For Two, Bessette wins her first

By Andrew Juskaitis
Published: Mar. 9, 2003
Fraser's teammates pulled hard to eventually get him across the line first
Fraser's teammates pulled hard to eventually get him across the line first
Photo: Andrew Juskaitis

Gord Fraser (HealthNet) pulled off his second win at the Pomona Valley Stage Race on Saturday, the Stage 3 Puddingstone Road Race held in and around Bonelli Regional Park. The 7.8 mile loop offered 700 feet of climbing per lap with a total elite men's distance of 98 miles with the elite women riding 72 miles.

Fraser confidently took his second stage victory in as many days
Fraser confidently took his second stage victory in as many days
Photo: Andrew Juskaitis

Fraser credited his team's ability to close down any of the breaks that tried to escape the pack (a mistake that almost cost them Friday's Circuit Race). And while an early break of six riders comprised of fellow HealthNet riders Russell Stevensen and Jason Lokkesmoe provided just the right amount of cover to allow Fraser the opportunity to fire-off one of his patented down-to the-wire sprints. With 500 meters left in the race, Fraser rocketed around his now-spent teammates and cruised to his second victory in as many days.

Saturday's victory still places him more than two minutes behind yellow jersey bearer Tom Danielson, which means it's unlikely he and his powerful HealthNet Team will still be able to contest the GC running, but according to Fraser, "My team and I are still gonna try like hell to score a third victory tomorrow–we're on a roll, so why not?"

The elite women's race saw a six-competitor break form late in the race with Saturn's Lyne Bessette eventually taking the victory.

Tomorrow's race will provide the answer to that and the women's GC race where Genevieve Jeanson still holds a commanding lead.

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