Liberty Classuc

Liberty Classic Elite Women’s Race Report

Clara Kelly (31)

Rebecca Wellons (54)

Carola Berger

Samantha Derry

Natalie Dumont

We enjoyed wonderful sunny weather this past weekend for our trip to Philadelphia. It was a treat to ride in such an exciting race with spectators lining much of the course. We had four laps of 14.4 miles though boulevards of Philly, along the river and out to Main Street, Manayunk. The crown jewel of the course, Manayunk Wall, featured a 17% section and was preceded by 3 tight turns and a short section of cobbles. The playground of the course was Lemon hill, another steep one hill but much more sporty. It featured turns on the power climb and on the fast decent.

The first time out to Manayunk was my (Clara’s) first experience in such a large field. With 144 women, it was a big change from our local races. There was constant movement among the group as we headed to the turn at the start of Main Street. The turn slowed folks down, then back to jostling. The turns at the base of Manayunk Wall served to really string the group out. Only a few people could exit the turn at a time and then it was up the wall. It was difficult to pass on the climb because the road was narrow, so position prior to the turns was very important. I was relieved to reach the top of the climb without seeing any gaps open ahead of me. The field remained mainly intact for the 1^st lap. Natalie had mechanical issues with her chain and had to withdraw after it became firmly stuck on the wrong side of the gear.

The second lap, gaps opened on the climb. A break of about 15 riders got off the front. Smaller groups formed to chase the field. Sam and Carola worked with their chase groups to try and catch the field on a flat section.

The third lap, officials neutralized the men’s field to allow to women to pass. Not to gloat too much, but it was an exceptional moment. The hill started to seem a little steeper this time. At the end of the lap, riders behind the field were pulled.

This left about 75 women in for the final lap. Clara and Rebecca started the wall near each other but were separated when a gap opened. The climb up Lemon Hill was fast and furious with several sections of stringing out prior to the field’s sprint finish.

Team Columbia-Highroad dominated the race with Ina Teutenberg winning the race and three of her teammates in the break.

So, that's my report for the club. Perhaps the most entertaining part of the trip was celebrity spotting at the race hotel. When we pulled up, Natalie got all excited because she spotted Rock Racing's Freddy somebody or other. Later, the Liquigas team teased us when we were pumping our tires in the hall. You have never seen such mortification from four ladies regarding bike maintenance. Of course the pro teams don't pump their bikes in the hall. They don't bring their bikes into the hotel because they have a trailer and mechanic outside working on them in the parking lot. I don't care about the Liquigas team. I just like to ride my bike.