June 7, 2009 (Summerside, PEI) – After an exciting race full of attacks, breakaways, and activity in the peloton, Italy’s Giorgia Bronzini (Specialized-Mazda-Groupe Samson) claimed the yellow jersey in stage one of the Tour de PEI in Summerside. Bronzini crossed the finish line in 2 hours 28 minutes 46 seconds, after winning the final sprint. She was closely followed by Sweden’s Sara Mustonen (Team Hitec Products UCK) in second place; and Germany’s Hanka Kupferrnagel (German National Team) in third.

Luxemburg’s , Nathalie Lamborelle (Team Uniqa-ELK) was the top sprinter in today’s race, while Jenny Trew (Canadian National Team) was the top Canadian.

Bronzini, a last minute addition to the line-up at this year’s Tour de PEI, took a chance by choosing to participate on a mixed team. “My usual team, Safi-Pasta Zara Manhattan, couldn’t make it for this year’s Tour de PEI, therefore I requested that the organizers place me on a mixed team. I am coming here to win, and up to now, it has paid off.”

President of Tour de PEI, Daniel Manibal continues to encourage all Islanders to come out and enjoy the race. “Teams this year are stronger and their level of ability is more equally matched than it has been in the past, making for a very exciting race.”

Tour de PEI, presented by Scotiabank, is a five-day, five-stage women’s cycling race around Prince Edward Island. Tomorrow’s stage, a time trial across the Confederation Bridge, will be broadcast live on www.confederationbridge.com. The first rider departs from the New Brunswick side of the Bridge at 11:00 AM.

For more information visit www.tourdepei.com.