June 13, 2003 (Minneapolis, MN) – The third stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix was held in downtown Minneapolis. A 1.2 kilometer, pancake flat lap, the setting was a perfect venue for the thousands of spectators lining the streets. With a concert in the background, and a beautiful, clear warm evening, the cafes were packed, and people were ready to party as the cyclists threw their best blows in an effort to claim the Nature Valley Grand Prix title.

With a total of 45 seconds of time bonuses on the line, the overall was far from decided in both the women's and men's races. In the women's standings, Saturn was nicely placed in first and second with Katie Mactier and Manon Jutras, but with sprinter extrodinaires Tina Mayolo and Sarah Ulmer breathing down their respective necks only 32 seconds back, the time bonuses certainly were race deciders.

Within meters of the starting pistol going off, Saturn's Ina Teutenberg had launched an attack and was marked by TDS' Erin Carter. The two stayed away for a few meager laps of the forty minute race; however, many teams had much to gain by keeping the time bonuses well within reach. As Teutenberg was captured by the peloton, there was a quick reshuffling, and the Saturn rider again attacked, this time managing to open a gap solo. With lap times averaging 1:43, the field was strung corner to corner, single file, as every team tried to catch the German powerhouse.

As the time split opened, T-Mobile recognized the race winning move and sent a non-GC threat up to Teutenberg in Stacy Peters. Peters and Teutenberg joined before the first time bonus sprint and would not be caught. Meanwhile in the bunch, Rona tried gamely to chase in an effort to bring back the break, as Ulmer tried repeatedly to bridge. Saturn remained in control, with Lyne Bessette keeping a tight check on anyone trying to get up to the twosome.

Ulmer sprinted for the two time bonuses, reclaiming some time on fourth place Karen Bockel (Rona) and third place Mayolo – Pic. As Ulmer brought the time down by grabbing the seconds up for grabs Teutenberg and Peters' lead on the field opened to the 25 second mark.

In the final corner, it was Teutenberg rounding it solo, a good five seconds ahead of a determined Peters. Teutenberg, clearly pleased with the win, gave a big salute to the screaming crowd as she crossed the line. Peters held on for second over the surging peloton. Saturn's Laura Van Gilder brought the field home for a strong third place finish and more importantly snatching the crucial ten seconds from Ulmer and insulating Mactier's lead going into tomorrow's Winona circuit race. However, second place Manon Jutras, lost seconds in the finish slipping back into third place, behind Mayolo (Pic).

The men's race also saw an early break clear the field which initially looked like it would stay away from the chasing peloton. However, the break jeopardized too many team's chances at the time bonuses and it was brought back to the fold. As the field rejoined another break went clear, this time with Ciaran Powers (Navigators), Saturn's Viktor Rapinski, Trent Klasna and Tom Danielson. Dan Schmatz (7-UP) was also tucked into the group. In the end the break stayed away for a small group sprint, with Schmatz taking top honors over Rapinski. However, the big winner was Powers, who moved into the leader's jersey with a fairly hefty margin Saturn's Rapinski – now in second after collecting some time bonuses along his way to his second place finish.

The men have the same circuit race course as the women, and once again the race will be a tactical one with time bonuses offered intermediately as well as at the finish. The final stage, although a very tough one, has no time bonuses up for grabs, so tomorrow may well be a race for the “free” time that is available.

 

Results Women
 1. Ina Teutenberg – Saturn
 2. Stacey Peters – T-Mobile
 3. Laura Van Gilder – Saturn

 Overall
 1. Katie Mactier – Saturn
 2. Tina Mayolo – Pic – :09
 3. Manon Jutras – Saturn -:16
 4. Sarah Ulmer – TDS – :24

 Results Men:

 1. Dan Schmatz – 7-UP
 2. Viktor Rapinski – Saturn
 3. Ciaran Powers – Navigators

 Overall:
 1. Ciaran Powers – Navigators by 32 seconds
 2. Viktor Rapinski – Saturn