Redlands (CA): The fourth stage of the Redlands Bicycle Classic
returned to downtown Redlands, delivering a spectacular Criterium in
front of thousands of freezing spectators. Rona’s Nicole Freedman and
7up/NutraFig’s Charles Dionne emerged from the pack to claim victory.
The riders agreed that the course was very difficult. “I think this
is the most technical course of the year,” said women’s winner Nicole
Freedman. “There are a lot of turns that are more than 90 degrees and
really tight. The last three turns are all acute angles and off
camber, so it’s hard.”

Saturn was taking no chances on the breakaway ability of Genevieve
Jeanson and went out hard, blowing the race to pieces in matter of
minutes. Within a few laps, numerous splits had been made in the
field. The pace remained so fast for so long that no group was able
to get back on.

Ina Teutenberg then attacked until she blew, setting the stage for an
open sprint finish for anyone that was able to hang on. In the end,
it was Rona’s team leader, Jeanson, setting up teammate Nicole
Freedman for the win. She was followed by Diet Rite’s Tina Mayolo-Pic
and AC Mexiquence‚’s Belem Guererro, with Jeanson a few places back,
pumping her fists into the air as though she had won the stage
herself.

Describing the final lap, Freedman said, “There was a crash out
there, after the first turn, and three people sort of got ahead and
made a little gap. Then Genevieve was right there and pulled me right
up to the front group. And once she did that, I’m like, I know I can
do this.”

In the men’s race, Team Mercury wen to the front with 3 laps to go,
trying to set the stage for their sprinter Gordon Fraser. But Charles
Dionne played the spoiler and picked up a huge win for 7up/Nutra Fig,
as well as a personal birthday present. Third place was even more of
a surprise as Mexican national Miguel Meza, riding for Team D.A.R.E
edged out Postal’s Tony Cruz.

About the final lap, Dionne said, “(teammate) Greg Henderson kind of
helped me. Him and Gord were looking at each other with two corners
to go. I just passed by and never looked back.” Fraser said he was in
perfect position but “Unfortunately, I didn’t quite have enough gas.
Charles did a good move, he cut across my front wheel and I had to
put on my brakes, and I lost all momentum. Then again, it may have
been something else, “I just turned 22 yesterday,” beamed Dionne.
“They made a good cake for me, that’s why I won today.”

Stage: 4 Beaver Medical Group Downtown Criterium

Individual Stage Placings

Women

1 Nicole Freedman (Rona Cycling Team/USA), 0:59:06
2 Tina Mayolo-Pic (DietRite/USA) 0:59:06
3 Belem Guererro (AC Mexiquence/MEX) 0:59:06
4 Lyne Bessette (Saturn/CAN) 0:59:06
5 Katrina Berger (Cannondale-USA/USA) 0:59:06

Individual General Classification as of stage 4

1 Judith Arndt (Saturn/GER) 6:40:17
2 Andrea Hannos (Rona Cycling Team/CAN) 6:46:35
3 Genevieve Jeanson (Rona Cycling Team/CAN) 6:47:54
4 Lyne Bessette (Saturn/CAN) 6:50:29
5 Susy Pryde (TalogoAmerica Cycling/NZL) 6:52:32

Team General Classification Standings as of stage 4

1 Rona Cycling Team, 2 Saturn, 3 Cannondale-USA