June 29, 2003 (Hamilton, ON) – After the first few laps, a breakawy containing Cybil Diguistini (Genesis-Scuba), Melissa Holt (RONA-Esker), and Jane Despas (RDM) has been caught. Immediately following this, a break containing Genevieve Jeanson (RONA-Esker), Leigh Hobson (Cervelo) and Sue Palmer-Komar (Genesis-Scuba) launched ahead of four other riders.
The riders are now approaching the end of three laps…
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June 29, 2003 (Hamilton, ON) – By all accounts, the 112k women's race was expected to be a showdown between climbers Geneviève Jeanson (RONA-Esker), Lyne Bessette (Saturn) and Sue Palmer-Komar (Genesis-Scuba). What wasn't expected was that the three favourites would be on their own before the halfway point.
After several crashes that Bessette said “It's a result of having many newer riders mixed in larger packs,” Jeanson and Bessette found themselves bridging to an early break. Palmer-Komar, a veritable climber in her own right, found herself missing the move that saw the two Montrealers riding away. After Bessette and Jeanson dropped the remnants of the early break, Palmer-Komar had to play catch up, and would chase the two leaders all day to no avail.
When Jeanson and Bessette approached the line, many were asking the question: who is the better sprinter? Although Bessette definitely has some speed, those who have followed Jeanson know that as well as a talented climber and TT'er, she also has a very quick jump. So, coming to the line, Bessette led out Jeanson until 200 metres to go when the Queen from Lachine launched past and won by a bike length. Bessette seemed content with the result, having already won the TT. Furthermore, she loved the downtown race. “I have to say,” Bessette explained, “It is a lot more fun racing in front of people, than in front of cows!” (Referring to previous National Championships in rural areas.)
Jeanson was exceptionally pleased with her race, and even had some words for a noted cycling journalist whose opinions in an article he'd written had ruffled the RONA camp earlier this year: “Hey Maynard, what did you think of my sprint?” the 21 year-old joked after the race.
Women's 2003 Road Race National Championships: 111.6 k
1. Geneviève Jeanson (Can) Equipe Cycliste Rona-Esker 3.16.50
2. Lynn Bessette (Can) Saturn Cycling Team
3. Susan Palmer-Komar (Can) Genesis Scuba 2.31
4. Amy Moore (Can) Saturn Cycling Team 8.55
5. Sandy Espeseth (Can) Victory Brewing/Amoroso's Cycling
6. Joanne Kiesanowski (NZl) Genesis Scuba
7. Cybil Diguistini (Can) Genesis Scuba
8. Merrill Collins (Can) BIC
9. Erinne Willock (Can) Equipe Cycliste Rona-Esker 8.59
10. Anne Samplonius (Can) Quebec Cycling Team
11. Linda Jackson (Can) RDM
12. Jane Despas (USA) RDM
13. Felicia Greer (Can) OWS
14. Genevieve Leblanc (U23) (Can) Quebec Cycling Team 11.39
15. Suzanne Macht (Can) Trek VW 16.10
16. Leigh Hobson (Can) CER
17. Larssyn Staley (USA) Genesis Scuba
18. Nina Krack (Can) Trek VW 18.29
19. Tracy Vince (Can) BIC
20. Anita Lagler (Can) ONB 18.31
21. Stephanie Bourbeau (Can) Quebec Cycling Team 18.35
22. Julia Bradley (Can) MBR 20.34
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June 29, 2003 (Hamilton, ON) – The two leaders, Genevieve Jeanson (RONA-Esker), Lyne Bessette (Saturn) are now well over two minutes ahead of Sue Palmer-Komar (Genesis/Scuba). The remnants of the early break, Cybil Diguistini (Genesis-Scuba) and Jane Despas (RDM) are 4:30 behind the leaders, and there are several small groups that are many more minutes behind.
The big question is: Jeanson or Bessette? Jeanson is a fast sprinter, and probably the favourite in a two-up. Does either have the horsepower to attack up the climb? It seems probable, given the fast descent after the last climb that it will come to a sprint…
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June 29, 2003 (Hamilton, ON) – Approaching lap 5, Genevieve Jeanson (RONA-Esker) and Lyne Bessette (Saturn) are riding clear, with Sue Palmer-Komar trying to catch back on. Behind these three are the remants of the early break, including Cybil Diguistini (Genesis-Scuba). What is left of the pack is several minutes after these riders. Jeanson and Bessette are riding strong, and seeing as these two are the heavy favourites, it is unlikely that they will be caught. It is incredibly early for these two to be ahead, but given the attritious nature of the parcours, the duo riding together is somewhat inevitable. It is really heating up, and there is not a cloud in the sky. Feeding has begun and it is obvious by the time the men hit the streets it will be very warm…
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