March 25, 2007 (Redlands California) — Australian Rory Sutherland (Health Net p/b Maxxis) regained his winning form on Saturday at the Stage 2, 1st Centennial Bank/KWB Criterium at the 2007 Redlands Classic. The former Rabobank rider out-sprinted relative unknown Kayle Leogrande (Rock Racing) and multi-time US national champion (and former Tour De L’Abitibi winner, Josh Thornton (Kodak Gallery/Sierra Nevada), to win the third leg of the 23rd annual Redlands Classic. Sutherland emerged as the stage winner over a breakaway group that also included Canadian Jacob Erker (Symmetrics) who finished 5th, Australia’s Tommy Nakervis (Jittery Joes) and Ricardo Esuela (Succesfulliving.com).

Charles Dionne (Colavita/Sutter Home) continued his return to form after a year off with leg problems with a solid 8th place finish while young Quebec rider Keven Lacombe (Equipe Volkswagen-Trek) confirmed his potential with a fine top-ten stage finish.

Former GC leader Canada’s Svein Tuft (Symmetrics) fell to 13th overall, while compatriot Ryder Hesjedal ( Health Net p/b Maxxis) held steady in 6th place overall.

Scott Moninger (BMC Racing Team) continues to hold onto a slender 7-second lead over Justin England (Toyota-United Pro Cycling) heading into Sunday’s final stage on the punishing Beaver Medical Group Sunset Road Race (the men complete 12 laps, 146.5 km)

Women

Just in case there were any doubts, Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (T-Mobile Women’s Pro) confirmed her status today as one of the premier women sprinters in the world, out kicking powerhouse Laura Van Gilder of Team Cheerwine and spring sensation Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO) for the win on the technical 1st Centennial Bank/KWB Criterium circuit.

As the women enter the challenging last stage Amber Neben (STAHL/SC Velo) maintains a precarious half-minute lead over the Webcor trio of Mara Abbott and Christine Thorburn, Christine and Katheryn Curi.

The Canadian women stand poised to make a serious challenge however with three riders in the top ten. Felicia Gomez (Aaron’s Corporate Fu) sits 2:25 off the lead while Leigh Hobson (Team Cheerwine) continues on her comeback to the sport at 2:31 and Anne Samplonius (Team Expresscopy.com) is 3:23 behind Neben.

Results (brief)

Men

1. Rory Sutherland (Team Health Net p/b Maxxis) 1:31:44
2. Kayle Leogrande (Rock Racing)
3. Josh Thornton 9Kodak Gallery/Sierra)
4. Tommy Nankervis (Jittery Joe’s )
5. Jacob Erker (Symmetrics Cycling)

8. Charles Dionne (Colavita/Sutter Home) 0:32
10. Keven Lacombe (Team Equipe Volkswagen)
19. Mark Walters (Kodak Gallery/Sierra)
25. Dominique Rollin (Kodak Gallery/Sierra)
32. Ryder Hesjedal (Team Health Net p/b Maxxis)
33. Buck Miller (Kahala-LaGrange)
35. Christian Meier (Symmetrics Cycling)
39. Ryan MacKenzie (Team Equipe Volkswagen)

Women 1-2

1. Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (T-Mobile Women’s Pro) 59:11
2. LauraVan Gilder (Team Cheerwine
3. Brooke Miller (Team TIBCO)
4. Christine Thorburn (Webcor Builders) 0:06
5. Tina Pic (Colavita/Sutter Home) 0:29

10. Alex Wrubleski (Colavita/Sutter Home)
19. Leigh Hobson (Team Cheerwine)
22. Felicia Gomez (Aaron’s Corporate)
23. Betina Hold (Team Cheerwine)
24. Joelle Numainville (Team Expresscopy.com)
34. Anne Guzman (Team Kenda Tire)
37. Anne Samplonius (Team Expresscopy.com)
42. Laura Yoisten (Webcor Builders)
63. Kristen Robbins (Advil/Chapstick)
81. Alison Testroete (Team Expresscopy.com)

GC after Stage 2

Men

1. Scott Moninger (USA) BMC Racing Team

Women

1. Amber Neben (USA) STAHL/SC Velo