October 8, 2003 (Hamilton, ON) – Netherlands rider Loes Markerink, silver medalist in the individual time trial, took the rainbow jersey in the Junior Women's road race yesterday, ahead of Russia's Irina Tolmacheva. Germany's Sabine Fischer took the bronze.

The junior women covered 74.4kms as fifty-eight riders, four of them Canadian, rolled out onto the 12.4km course at nine o'clock this morning.

With less than a handful of races available for junior women to compete at an international level, the World Championships becomes a one-time affair for the young riders to test themselves against other riders their age.

Canada's team of four riders, Audrey Lemieux, Emilie Roy, Emily Sandwidth, and Anna Tratnyek were looking relaxed and comfortable moments before their race.

Two crashes in the first lap stirred things up in the women's race, taking out Canadian Emilie Roy both times. Her injuries prevented her from continuing the race after her second crash.

With an average speed of 35.527km/h, the junior women finished the 74.4km race in just over two hours. A pack of thirty riders managed to stay together for the first five laps. With one lap to go, multiple attacks went off the front until Russia's Irina Tolmacheva and Australia's Kat Nichols attacked on the last climb. They managed to stay away until the last corner of the course where the pack started to swallow them up.

Tolmacheva continued on for the sprint while German rider Sabine Fischer and the Netherlands rider Loes Markerink put the pressure on. Markerink (recently a silver medalist after Tuesday's individual time trial) punched it at the end to claim the victory, while Tolmacheva held on for second. Third place went to the German rider.

Right after the sprint finish the Russian rider rode into a photographer, which stopped her in her tracks. She walked away with some bruises and a cut-up chin, but was otherwise all right. Because of this, the awards ceremony was delayed slightly. Tolmacheva recovered and was able to attend the ceremonies within fifteen minutes after her fall.

Canadian rider Audrey Lemieux rode a very aggressive race, crossing the start/finish at the front of the pack during each lap. The last lap she got dropped right near the end but hung on for 19th place. Canada's Anna Tratnyek finished in 40th.

Pedal Magazine was able to speak with Lemieux briefly before she was whisked away to dope control.

Pedal: You rode a really aggressive race today. How do you feel?

Lemieux: I feel happy but it was very hard in the last lap, I did my best, but it was hard. It made me feel strong for next year.

Pedal: What are your thoughts on the Canadian effort of the junior girls?

Lemieux: They give their best and if she (Emilie) was able, she would have as well.

Hamilton 2003 Junior Women's RR Results

1. Loes Markerink (NED)
2. Irina Tolmacheva (RUS)
3. Sabine Fischer (GER)
—
18. Audrey Lemieux (CAN)
40. Anna Tratnyek