International Tour de Toona
Stage Five
July 29, 2005
Report by Felicia Greer

Today was an approximate 80-mile circuit race on rolling hilly terrain – 4 laps of approximately 20 miles. Thankfully the humidity has broken and the temps were bearable.

The plan was just to try to keep everything in check hoping for a harmless break with one of us represented. The last km or so was a crit like finish so it was imperative that we were in good position coming into the last 2 km or so. Sprint points were on lap 1,2 and 3.

Attacks started pretty early into the race and everyone in Webcor was active covering these attempts. For the most part the race was safe except on lap two when Brooke Ourada (T-Mobile) and a couple others crashed really hard. On lap three Kristen Armstrong (T-Mobile) flatted, and Katie Mactier waited to help her back on – they had to chase pretty hard to catch on – which works for us.

Thankfully for our tired legs, things calmed down on the 4th lap, since one more attack was going to rip my legs off (a sentiment felt by several others on the team). With approximately 8 km to go, Nicole Freedman took a flier – we were hoping this would stay off as it would take the 15 sec 1st place time bonus away from T-Mobile or Quark. At 5 km to go, T-Mobile started chasing hard and Nicole was caught on the last turn. Tina Pic won, Ina was 2nd, with Gina Grain from Victory 3rd – all the Webcor women finished safely.

Tomorrow is another epic stage of 92 miles and lots of climbing. Here's hoping for another successful day of racing.

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