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Van Gilder wins Pomona opener

By VeloNews Interactive
Published: Mar. 18, 2004
Bessette and Holden
Bessette and Holden

Laura Van Gilder (Genesis-Scuba) sprinted to victory in the opening stage of the fifth annual Pomona Valley Stage Race on Thursday in San Dimas, California.

Bessette and eventual winner Van Gilder
Bessette and eventual winner Van Gilder

Van Gilder outkicked Magen Long (OBRU-The Bicycle Store) and Lyne Bessette (Quark), coming around on the final straight after Bessette attacked on the climb, to win the San Dimas Hospital Circuit Race in 1:15:46.

The race was run on a 3.5-mile loop in Frank G. Bonelli Regional County Park, a course that the pro men decided was too dangerous for their 150-rider field, in a dispute reminiscent of the Redwood City circuit race in last year’s Sea Otter.

Another view of the climb, as the men parade upward
Another view of the climb, as the men parade upward

The men finally agreed to ride a shortened event, completing 10 laps in parade fashion; as a consequence, their prizes for stage one were withdrawn and added to the women’s take. No men's winner was declared, no results or times given and no NRC points awarded for the stage, according to the USCF.

The men will start their racing on Friday, when both men and women tackle the Glendora Chevrolet Mountain time trial, which features 8.5 miles of steady climbing with 2400 feet of elevation gain.

Saturday brings the Incycle Puddingstone Road Race, and the stage race concludes on Sunday with the Cannondale Old Town San Dimas Criterium.

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