May 14, 2006 – Here are results from the third stage of the Tour de l’Aude, a 5.5 km TT:

Stage 3:
1 Loës Gunnewijk (Ned) Buitenpoort-Flexpoint Team 6.59
2 Susanne Ljungskog (Swe) Buitenpoort-Flexpoint Team 0.05
3 Judith Arndt (Ger) T-Mobile Professional Cycling
4 Priska Doppmann (Swi) Univega Pro Cycling Team
5 Ina Teutenberg (Ger) T-Mobile Professional Cycling 0.10
6 Amber Neben (USA) Buitenpoort-Flexpoint Team 0.11
7 Edwige Pitel (Fra) Bianchi Aliverti Kookai 0.19
8 Trixi Worrack (Ger) Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung 0.20
9 Katryn Watt (Aus) Lotto-Belisol Ladiesteam 0.21
10 Edita Puncinskaite (Ltu) Nobili Rubinetterie Menikini Cogeas 0.22
—
17 Lyne Bessette (Can) T-Mobile Professional Cycling
72 Amy Moore (Can) T-Mobile Professional Cycling


Overall

1 Loës Gunnewijk (Ned) Buitenpoort-Flexpoint Team 3.45.07
2 Susanne Ljungskog (Swe) Buitenpoort-Flexpoint Team 0.05
3 Amber Neben (USA) Buitenpoort-Flexpoint Team 0.12
4 Judith Arndt (Ger) T-Mobile Professional Cycling 0.23
5 Madeleine Sandig (Ger) Buitenpoort-Flexpoint Team 0.30
6 Priska Doppmann (Swi) Univega Pro Cycling Team 0.37
7 Trixi Worrack (Ger) Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung 0.46
8 Kimberly Anderson (USA) T-Mobile Professional Cycling 1.03
9 Suzanne De Goede (Ned) AA-Drink Cycling Team 1.05
10 Eva Lutz (Ger) Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung 1.07
—
18 Lyne Bessette (Can) T-Mobile Professional Cycling 2.45
67 Amy Moore (Can) T-Mobile Professional Cycling 13.19

May 19, 2003 (Trebes, France) – Tour de L'Aude continued today with a 121 kilometer loop through the Lezignan Corbieres Valley. Defying typical May weather in this region, the skies were clear, temperatures in the high 70s and subtle winds in the valleys. All in all, perfect weather for racing a bike. However, as the riders came out of one valley and raced up along a gorge the ski darkened, the wind picked up and menacing was the word that came to mind. Within minutes, thunder, lightening and wind driven rain assaulted the riders. Un-intimidated, and most likely still high after yesterday's stellar performance, Anita Valen, race leader by a mere three seconds, lead the group of 20 or so riders home. By her side, was second placed Lyne Bessette, but in the end the day belonged to Ghita Beltman as she successfully took all the risk into the finish for a brilliant win over Olga Slioussareva (Velodames-Colnago).

Leaving Lezignan, the 112 competitors headed west along the narrow roads which wound through the vineyards.  With snow gracing the tops of the Pyrenees in the distance, the peloton snaked its way through the town of Capendu and up to the first of the three climbs of the day, a category one climb of just under five kilometers. As the riders ascended the col, the vineyards gave way to jutting races of shear rock, with moss cascading green on the granite face. Setting the pace at the front were the climbers from yesterday, but were soft with the pressure applied, and the group arrived at the top of the climb complete.

The peloton remained together until the final of the three climbs, a category one climb which dropped the riders back down into the valley. At the top of the climb, attrition took a hold of those not able to hang on as the pressure was applied at the front and once again a natural selection was made.  By this time the deluge was in full effect and the descent was anything but fun for the riders. However, everyone arrived to the bottom safely, but it was clear that the front group would not be seen by the chase groups which had formed on the descent.

In the final kilometers the rain had collected in rivers on the road, and many held back to remain safe, waiting for a better time to duke it out in a finish. However, Beltman took the necessary risks, and was rewarded with a great win for her efforts. With both Bessette and Valen in the front group, the overall remained unchanged, however, noticeable absent was Saturn's Manon Jutras who had been sitting third at the beginning of the day.

Stage 3: Lezignan Corbières to Lezignan Corbières, 121km

1. Ghita Beltman (Ned) Dutch National Team, 3:13:56
2. Mirjam Melchers (Ned) Mixed Farm Frites-Va
3. Anita Valen (Nor) Bik Powerplate
4. Sara Carrigan (Aus) Bik Powerplate
5. Judith Arndt (Ger) Nurnberger Versicherung
6. Lyne Bessette (Can) Saturn Cycling Team
7. Nataliya Kachalka (Ukr) Team 2002. Aurora Rsm
8. Trixi Worrack (Ger) Nurnberger Versicherung
9. Katie Mactier (Aus) Saturn Cycling Team
10. Volha Hayeva (Blr) Velodames-Colnago