courtesy Team Rona

July 30, 2002 (Johnstown, PA) – The RONA Cycling Team had a great day in
Pennsylvania today at The International (formerly known as the Tour de
Toona). In the second stage of the seven-stage race, Team RONA’s Nicole
Freedman and Andrea Hannos finished first and third, respectively , while
Manon Jutras kept the overall leader’s yellow jersey and Freedman is now
wearing the points leader’s blue jersey. Canadian Leah Goldstein (BOISE)
is still second overall, one second behind Jutras.

Yesterday’s stage consisted of a 118-km road race around Johnstown. It was
completed at the fast pace of 40.0 km/h. “We raced RONA-style”, said
Jutras, “we attacked very early and animated the race from start to
finish. Amy (Jarvis), Andrea (Hannos) and I stayed at the front while
Nicole Freedman kept her legs for a mass sprint.”

Despite a very aggressive race, the pack was intact when they approached the
final kilometers where Freedman could use her sprinting abilities. “Heather
Albert (Goldy’s ) attacked 400 meters from the line and I took her wheel,
recalled Freedman. At the 150-meter line I dove right and overtook her to
win the sprint.” Freedman’s teammate Andrea Hannos finished right behind
Albert. Her stage win got Freedman the point leader’s blue jersey.

Today’s stage is a 164-km long course between Johnstown and Altoona, with
a few tough climbs which will make the journey interesting. “I’ve been told
that I would like that course,” said Jutras, “but I’m not obsessed with
keeping the yellow jersey. We’re racing as a team and the race
opportunities will dictate tactics tomorrow.”

The International (Tour de Toona)

2nd stage : Johnstown Circuit Road Race

Stage classification (unofficial times)

1. Nicole Freedman (USA, RONA) 118 km in 2h 57′ 07” (avg.40.0 km/h) (bonus
15′)

2. Gina Grain (CA, BOISE) s.t. (bonus 10”)

3. Andrea Hannos (CA, RONA) s.t. (bonus 5”)

31. Amy Jarvis (CA, RONA) s.t.

35. Manon Jutras (CA, RONA) s.t.

General Classification (Unofficial times)

Rank Name (Country, Team) Time

1. Manon Jutras (CA, RONA) 3h 07′ 08”

2. Leah Goldstein (CA, BOISE) 1”

3. Jessica Phillips (USA, Saturn Timex) 8”

4. Kori Kelly (USA, Diet Rite) 19”

5. Heather Albert (USA, Goldy’s ) 22”

10. Amy Jarvis (CA, RONA) 37”

18. Andrea Hannos (CA, RONA) 54”

21. Nicole Freedman (USA, RONA) 58”

The RONA cycling team is one of only two Canadian women’s elite cycling
teams acknowledged by the International Cycling Union.