WCN quicklink >>  Kearney RR    Tower District Criterium

Central Valley Classic - USA

Tower District Criterium, 50 minutes

Fresno, California

Team Website

Written by Kirsten Robbins

The final stage of the Central Valley Classic brought all riders lined up to begin a furious race for points. After yesterdays road race, Webcor’s Christine Thornburn, Lipton’s Kristin Armstrong, and Victory Brewing’s Laura Yoisten were in first, second, and third respectively for the overall omnium. The points accumulated in the Towers District Criterium, was to decide the winner of the overall. 

The circuit was technical with the addition of a 180 U-turn just after the start/finish line. The pace of the race was fast as riders were trying to break away from the field.  Both Webcor and Lipton put forth their efforts to try to get their rider’s off the front but Victory Brewing would only be content to have the race come down to a field sprint. 

During the final five laps of the race Victory Brewing began to establish their lead out train for Yoisten.  With three laps remaining the blue train was linked tight and no one was able to interrupt their momentum.  Coming out of the final corner Victory Brewing sewed up first, second, and third places on the podium with Lauren Franges, Laura Yoisten, and Laura Bowles.  

“I am very pleased with they way our team has come together to race.  Our goal was to set a tempo for the team from the start and our goal now is to keep it going.  We had a great race this weekend and we will be focused on building our team and our strengths further,” says Director Mike Tamayo. 

Yoisten gathered enough points during the criterium to win the overall omnium, just one point ahead of Webcor’s Christine Thornburn.  Lauren Franges also gained enough points to move her into third place for the overall omnium.