March 30, 2003 (Hackettstown, NJ) – The 4th and final stage of this year's Solano Bicycle Classic was held yesterday under a strong sun and temperatures in the 80's. The 82-mile circuit race was held through the community of Rancho Solano over undulating terrain that was described as a “power climbers” course. Following the parade start from downtown Fairfield, it was the red, yellow and black of the Saturn squad seen on the front in defense of race leader Chris Horner. Although many attacks were launched in volleys during the first 4 of 13 laps, nothing could stick, due to the composition, or lack of strength of the escapees.
With 9 laps remaining, a fierce attack by Navigators' Marty Nothstein was followed by seven other riders from several teams. The break quickly gained about 1-minute on the peloton and was the first, and only, serious breakaway of the day. In addition to Nothstein, the break contained, John Lieswyn (7Up), Mike Sayers (Health Net), Mark McCormack (Saturn), Patrick Heaney (Webcor), Andy Bajadali (Ofoto), Brian Forbes (Jelly Belly) and Sandy Perrins (Healthy Choice). Over the next nine laps, the group of eight worked hard (except for McCormack & Forbes) to keep the break successful. Although it hovered at at 1:20, it also peaked up to 1:45 several laps as well.
With the finish line located in the downtown core, the racers exited the circuit course and started the 4-mile run-in through the city streets. The gap was still at 50-seconds with 2-miles remaining. The breakaway riders powered on streaking toward the line. Breathing down their necks was the re-inspired peloton, led by Horners' lieutenants. Just as the break containing Nothstein reached the back side of the finishing circuit, the break of 55-miles was now over. The flying peloton raced through the final turns with Saturn in control. As if he was adding an exclamation point to this successful 4-days of racing, Horner charged off the front to finish alone in front of the now hungrier peloton, with Canada's Gord Fraser taking third.
Results:
1) Chris Horner (Saturn)
2) Greg Henderson (7Up))
3) Gord Fraser (Health Net))
Overall Standings:
1) Chris Horner
2) Jonathan Vaughters
3) Ben Brooks
Navigators Riders:
11) Glen Mitchell
13) Burke Swindlehurst
29) Justin Spinelli (DNF-crash)
63) Ryan Guay
93) Marty Nothstein