Stage 1: St. Paul Lowertown Criterium

(by Jennifer Reither, aka Jenn X)

Weather played a significant role at the St. Paul criterium tonight for the men and women’s races. Officials decided to shorten the women’s race from 40 laps to 30 laps, given the news that a significant “storm cell” was on its way. As the women lined up for call ups, the clouds open up and rain poured on the women making for a soggy start when the gun fired. Kristen Armstrong (Cervelo-Lifeforce) wasted no time immediately launching an attack and gaining 15 seconds on chase rider, Joanne Kiesanowski (Tibco) with a small pack including Brooke Miller (Tibco), Lauren Franges (Tibco) and Racheal Lloyd (Proman) about 45 seconds behind Armstrong. From a spectator's view, the race was complete chaos, as Armstrong lapped fields, riders were pulled and Kiesanowki was in no mans land, between chase groups. It was not until the race was finished when the crowd actually knew who was 2nd through 4th place. But the winner in the women’s race was clearly Kristen Armstrong whose strength and savvy this evening put her in the sprinter’s jersey, climber’s jersey and the leader’s jersey.

The men’s race started off with ominous skies and wet streets. Kirk O’Bee (HealthNet) made a great attack on lap two with Aaron Olsen (Bissell) glued to his wheel. The two riders gained a significant gap until Andrew Bajadali (Kelly Benefits) and Rory Sutherland (HealthNet) made a great bridge to O’Bee and Olsen. Unfortunately 20 laps into the race a significant crash caused the peloton to sit up and reevaluate the safety of the race. Officials called the race and the peloton agreed that tomorrow’s stage in Cannon Falls would be stage 1. Danny Van Haute (Director Sportif of Jelly Belly) suggested giving tonight’s stage money to the Children’s Hospital. The peloton and crowd cheered for the donation as the Children were the real winners tonight.

Final Recap Women St Paul Criterium

1st Kristen Armstrong Cervelo Lifeforce

2nd Joanne Kiesanowski Tibco

3rd Brook Miller Tibco



Final Recap Men’s race

No result, the stage is a wash. Stage 1 will be tomorrow in Cannon Falls.