Commerce Bank Triple Crown Series

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Race 2

Reading - criterium, 25 miles

Race Writeup

Winding their way through the historic streets of downtown Reading, the Pro/Elite women racers experienced what will surely become a classic in the week long bicycle race series, the Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling.  

Under perfect racing conditions of cool weather and in front of huge enthusiastic crowds, riders set off to complete 25 miles on the tough rolling 1.8 mile eight corner criterium circuit.  The Reading course featured more climbing than last Sunday’s race in Lancaster presenting more opportunity for riders looking to break free of the group before the final sprint.  

After the first lap the difficulty of the course was apparent as the riders flew through the start/finish strung out in one long line.  Through the first half of the race no breaks were allowed any freedom until Ina Teutenberg (T-Mobile) threw down a huge acceleration.  The only rider to grab her wheel was the Victory Brewing racer Katharine Carroll and once these two powerful women started working together, their gap ballooned.

Teams not represented in the break tried in vein to bring back the two escapees as the laps wound down.  With the bell ringing to signal the last lap, Teutenberg and Carroll had a comfortable 30 second gap to set up for the final sprint and coming out of the final corner the world class German sprinter sealed the deal to take her second win in the three race Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling series.  

Carroll took an excellent second place and sounded the alarm that she should be included as a favourite in the Commerce Bank Liberty Classic on Sunday.  The field sprint for third was a tight race between local favourite Laura Van Gilder (Team Lipton) and Australian Rochelle Gilmore (Advil-Chapstick).  After review of the photo-finish, race officials awarded third to Gilmore who earlier this year won the opening round of the Women’s World Cup in her home country.   

Going into the final round of the Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling in Philadelphia on Sunday which offers double points, Teutenberg holds a commanding 46 point lead in the overall Triple Crown competition.