 |
| |
Grand Prix de Plouay
World Cup |
26/08/06 |
|
|
| Univega
Raleigh Lifeforce |
st |
| Nurnberger
Versicherung |
st |
|
|
|
Nicole took another significant
step towards a 2nd World Cup Series Title by extending her
lead over her nearest rival to over 150 points.
The Univega-Raleigh-Lifeforce team were content
to give a certain leeway to riders who weren't a threat in
the overall standings, reserving their efforts to close down
any moves by Nicole's main rivals.
Switzerland's Nicole Brändli took advantage to make a
loan escape, and hold on to her advantage and take victory
by 32 seconds and collect the winners 75 points.
Behind, a group of around 20 riders tackled the final climb.
Nicole comfortable throughout the race showed herself strongly
on the ascent alongside team mate Priska Doppman.
As the chasing group approached the finish Nicole followed
the aggresive sprint of Georgia Bronzini over the line to
take third, and 35 points.
Judith Arndt, 2nd in the overall standings, had a puncture
in the closing stages and collected no points to fall 153
points behind.
Suzanne Ljunskog was the only one of the leading riders to
collect points from this race picking up 24 in 6th place.
Nicole will therefore be able to seal overall series victory
next week in Holland if her rivals are unable to reduce that
lead below 150 points.
The remaining rounds are Rottterdam Tour in Holland (03/10)
and Rund um die Nürnberger Altstadt in Germany (10/10).
Double points (i.e. 150 for winning 100 for second etc) will
be awarded in that final round. |
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|
"It
wasn't to be another victory on this course at Plouay where
I have enjoyed some succesful days in the past, but I'd
have to say I am still happy with the way things worked
out. "
"Once again the team really were magnificent, putting
so much effort in. With me leading overall the pressure
falls on us to control the race, and Priska, Christiane,
Sarah, Emma and Jo all gave everything they had."
"We've won three World Cup races this year, we're having
a great season, so we were happy to ride safe and secure
some points. It's a good day for my World Cup campaign."
"We know that overall victory is very close, but we
also know that it isn't won yet and how cycling can throw
up some unexpected and sometimes bitter twists. So we'll
take nothing for granted and ensure we approach the race
in Rotterdam the best possible way."
(Full official results at www.uci.ch.
More photos to follow later. Additional photos can also
be seen at www.womenscycling.net) |
|
|
| Standings
after 10 rounds of 12 |
|
| Univega
Raleigh Lifeforce |
389
points |
Nurnberger
Versicherung
|
170
points |
|
|
 |
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