March 04, 2013 (Merced, CA) – Beth Newell (NOW and Novartis for MS) won the Stage 4 115.8km elite women’s road race, the final leg of the Merco Credit Union Classic with 5s to spare over second place, Alison Tetrick (Exergy TWENTY16). Leah Kirchmann (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) was the top Canadian finisher on the day in ninth. Kirchmann was also the best Canuck in the overall GC, finishing seventh behind winner Evelyn Stevens (Specialized-lululemon).

Stage 4
1. Beth Newell (NOW and Novartis for MS) 3:00:15
2. Alison Tetrick (Exergy TWENTY16) 0:00:05
3. Lauren Hall (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) 0:00:20
4. Lauren Tamayo (Exergy TWENTY16)
5. Joanne Kiesanowski (Team TIBCO)
6. Flavia Oliveira (DNA Cycling p/b Plan7)
7. Alexis Ryan (NOW and Novartis for MS)
8. Maura Kinsella (NOW and Novartis for MS)
9. Leah Kirchmann (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies)
10. Evelyn Stevens (Specialized-lululemon)

22. Lex Albrecht (NOW and Novartis for MS)
39. Annie Ewart (Optum p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies)
DNF Felicia Gomez (Pinnacle p/b Argon 18)

Final GC
1. Evelyn Stevens (Specialized-lululemon) 7:04:26
2. Alison Powers (NOW and Novartis for MS) 0:00:31
3. Tayler Wiles (Team Specialized-lululemon) 0:01:13
4. Lauren Hall (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) 0:03:26
5. Alison Tetrick (Exergy TWENTY16) 0:04:01
6. Lauren Tamayo (Exergy TWENTY16) 0:04:07
7. Leah Kirchmann (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) 0:04:12
8. Brianna Walle (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies) 0:04:31
9. Andera Dvorak (Exergy TWENTY16) 0:04:34
10. Robin Farina (NOW and Novartis for MS) 0:04:58

17. Lex Albrecht (NOW and Novartis for MS) 0:05:20
32. Annie Ewart (Optum p/b Kelly Benefits Strategies) 0:13:33