August 26, 2002 (Binghamton, NY) – Canadian Amy Jarvis and American Nicole
Freedman, both of the RONA Cycling Team, showed off their team colors and
placed third and eighth respectively in the Chris Thater Memorial race
yesterday. Laura Van Gilder (Trek PLUS) won the 56-km criterium, held in the
streets of Binghamton, New York. Jarvis and Freedman were the only RONA
riders, but strong teams like Trek PLUS, Freddie Fu, Amoroso’s HH
Racing and TalgoAmerica had complete or near-complete lineups.

The race was aggressive from the start, as the 50-strong pack had to
chase down several early breaks. About a third into the race’s 30 laps,
Laura Van Gilder broke away, and stayed away for the rest of the race. Then
a group of three, which included Lynn Gaggioli of Team Michela Fanini, broke
away. “At about half race, Nicole (Freedman) and I decided to attack and try
to bridge to the group in front of us”, said Mississauga’s Amy Jarvis.

So Jarvis attacked and was reeled in. Freedman counterattacked and it was
finally
Jarvis who countered just as Freedman was absorbed by the pack. Jarvis
bridged to the Gaggioli group. “Then we watched each other more than we
chased Laura (Van Gilder”, said Jarvis. “I suppose we figured Laura would
outsprint us anyway.” So Van Gilder crossed the finish line unchallenged.
Gaggioli outsprinted Jarvis.


Chris Thater Memorial Criterium

Binghamton, NY, August 25, 2002

1. Laura Van Gilder (USA, Trek PLUS)
2. Lynn Gaggioli (USA, Michela Fanini)
3. Amy Jarvis (CAN, RONA)
8. Nicole Freedman (USA, RONA)

The RONA cycling team is one of only two Canadian women’s elite cycling
teams acknowledged by the International Cycling Union.