July 10, 2013 (Vancouver, BC) – Ryan Anderson (Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies), who’s a product of the Victoria Academy of Cycling, had a pretty good showing at BC Superweek heading into Tuesday’s 4th Annual UBC Grand Prix.

He was second in Friday’s MK Delta Lands Criterium and Saturday’s Brenco Criterium, and third in Sunday’s White Spot Delta Road Race. However, Anderson wasn’t satisfied with a “pretty good” showing, in fact, the North Vancouver native was visibly disappointed with his placing on Sunday.

Fast forward to Tuesday night and with a huge crowd cheering him on, Anderson wouldn’t be denied as a sprint to the finish gave him first place in the UBC Grand Prix over Germany’s Florenz Knauer (Team Baier Landshut) and Michael Schweizer (NSP Ghost / Team Germany) in one hour, three minutes and 35 seconds.

“I didn’t want to get second or third tonight, I wanted to win,” an exhilarated Anderson said afterward. “I was a little nervous in the end, but it worked out well for me tonight.”

Despite the fact that he was alone in a format that saw Anderson on his own in the top six, he added that it was his fellow Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies that helped get him there. “When we came back on the group, my team was a huge help and their role was really crucial tonight. They got me right back to the front and I waited for the battle with a few laps to go.”

Anderson’s teammate with Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies Ken Hanson, who’s the U.S. Pro Criterium champion, helped shut down the riders behind them early and often.

“He’s got so much experience, it’s nice to have him on my side,” Anderson said of Saturday’s Brenco Criterium winner.

With Knauer’s win, Team Baier Landshut made its second podium appearance at BC Superweek after teammate Yannick Mayer took second place in Sunday’s White Spot Delta Road Race.

“It wasn’t a win, but it’’s very good, I’m so happy to get second,” said Knauer. “In the second corner of the course, I had a few problems and ended up with a bad position, but it turned out okay.”
NSP Ghost / Team Germany’s Schweizer, who’s the only member from his team attending BC Superweek, finished a close third behind Anderson and Knauer.

“It was a great experience and this is my first time in Canada,” an excited Schweizer said. “Through the first few races, I had to get used to Canadian racing and the criterium, but now I think I’m in it and had a good day.”

Schweizer added that he did a little homework about the UBC Grand Prix before coming to BC Superweek. “I was prepared to go for a breakaway because my teammates told me last year there was an early break and so I tried to be in it and overall, the field here is really great.”

Women’s Race
Close to 60 women took the course for the UBC Grand Prix as part of BC Superweek Tuesday night and when it was all said and done two familiar names and one not-so-familiar name were up on the podium.

After claiming top spot at the White Spot | Delta Road Race on Sunday, Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies rider Leah Kirchmann of Winnipeg was right back up there after finishing the 40 lap circuit in 57 minutes and seven seconds.

With a course so short and corners so tight, the reigning Canadian Criterium National Champion said it actually worked in her favour.

“I definitely like a technical race,” Kirchmann mentioned immediately after crossing the finish line. “I thought it would be beneficial to always be at the front and be going for the premes just to be there if a break happened to go and to be first around the corners to be a bit safer.”

In second place was Australia’s Lauretta Hanson, who made her BC Superweek debut. Hanson wasn’t noticeable for most of the race, but definitely made her presence known.

“I actually found myself at the back for most of the race and it just happened that I made my way to the front at the end and it worked out in my favour,” Hanson said.

One may wonder how a rider from Down Under becomes knowledgeable about BC Superweek but according to Hanson, word of mouth among the cycling community is helping to grow the event worldwide, “Last year, my teammate Kate Finnigan came here and raced and she said it was a good tour to come to so I figured I’d come this year and have a go at it myself.”

It almost seems like Team Vanderkitten rider Elle Anderson could set up shop on the 2013 BC Superweek podium. With a third place finish at the UBC Grand Prix, Anderson has been on the podium for all four events thus far in BC Superweek.

“My legs felt pretty tired today,” Anderson said. “I kind of felt like the guys in the Tour de France after the rest day, they never really know quite how they’re going to feel.”

Anderson added that the UBC Grand Prix presented a unique set of challenges, “It was a really interesting course because each section was so short so lots of cornering and I really thought a breakaway was going to go today, I did my best but it was pretty much a field sprint at the end.”

The race featured a scary moment with just half a lap to go as 2012 Canadian Olympic bronze medallist Gillian Carleton from Specialized-lululemon crashed as she tried to move ahead of the field.

“There were four of us away off the front – two Optum girls – so Denise Ramsden went off the front with about a lap to go and I knew her teammate Leah (Kirchmann), who was sitting in front of me and there was no way she was going to chase her down so Denise opened up a bit of a gap and I realized I was going to have to jump across her if I was going to have any chance of winning,” Carleton mention afterward as she sported a taped wrist and scraped elbow. “So I jumped hard into the third to last corner, got a gap and then came into the corner way too hot and slid out right into the hay bales.”

“I’m fine, nothing’s broken, but I think I grated all of my knuckles off,” a smiling Carleton said confidently. “We’ll be back tomorrow for Gastown.”

Despite the crash, Carleton got back up and crossed the finish line to a rousing applause, “You’ve always got to finish the race. I think it’s poor form to not finish in my opinion, if you can walk, you can ride and you might as well cross that line.”

The racing continues with the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix (July 10), Giro di Burnaby (July 11) and the Tour de White Rock (races on July 12, 13, 14).

Results

Women

1. Leah Kirchmann (CAN) Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies 57:07.8
2. Lauretta Hanson (AUS)
3. Elle Anderson (USA) Vanderkitten
4. Olivia Dillon (IRL) NOW and Novartis for MS
5. Liza  Rachetto (USA) Vanderkitten
6. Denise Ramsden (CAN) Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies
7. Jana Schemmer (GER) RSV Unna
8. Lauren Rauck Komanski (USA) NOW and Novartis for MS 57:09.9
9. Leah Guloien (CAN) Colavita Fine Cooking
10. Robin Farina (USA) NOW and Novartis for MS 57:12.7
11. Devon Gorry (USA) NOW and Novartis for MS
12. Beth Duryea (AUS) Specialized-lululemon 57:14.3
13. Catherine Dessureault (CAN) Stevens Racing p/b The Cyclery
14. Jenny  Lehmann (CAN) Trek Red Truck Racing p/b Mosaic Homes
15. Sophie Williamson (NZL) Vanderkitten
16. Jamie Gilgen (CAN) Infinit Canada / Cyclepower
17. Stephanie Skoreyko (CAN) Infinit Canada / Cyclepower
18. Grace Alexander (USA) Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies
19. Rhae Shaw (CAN) Vanderkitten 57:26.6
20. Maura Kinsella (USA) NOW and Novartis for MS
21. Jessica Cutler (USA) Vanderkitten 57:38.5
22. Jennifer Gaertner (USA) Team REP
23. Candice Vermeulen (CAN) Stevens Racing p/b The Cyclery 57:42.6
24. Gillian Carleton (CAN) Specialized-lululemon 58:10.8
DNF Kathryn Donovan (USA) NOW and Novartis for MS
DNF Lex Albrecht (CAN) NOW and Novartis for MS
DNF Allison Arensman (USA) NOW and Novartis for MS
DNF Joëlle Numainville (CAN) Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies
DNF Amber Gaffney (USA) Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies
DNF Kate Chilcott (NZL) Vanderkitten
DNF Audrey Bernard (CAN) Stevens Racing p/b The Cyclery
DNF Annie Foreman-Mackey (CAN) Stevens Racing p/b The Cyclery
DNF Adriane Provost (CAN) Stevens Racing p/b The Cyclery
DNF Carrie Cartmill (CAN) Stevens Racing p/b The Cyclery
DNF Emily Flynn (CAN) Stevens Racing p/b The Cyclery
DNF Shoshauna Laxson (CAN) Trek Red Truck Racing p/b Mosaic Homes
DNF Megan Rathwell (CAN) Trek Red Truck Racing p/b Mosaic Homes
DNF Kristine Brynjolfson (CAN) Trek Red Truck Racing p/b Mosaic Homes
DNF Sarah  Coney (CAN) Trek Red Truck Racing p/b Mosaic Homes
DNF Kaytie  Scott (USA) Primal Pro Womens Racing P/B BH
DNF Joanie Caron (CAN) Primal Pro Womens Racing P/B BH
DNF Melina Bernecker (USA) Primal Pro Womens Racing P/B BH
DNF Justine Clift (CAN) Glotman Simpson Cycling
DNF Tessa Pinckston (CAN) Glotman Simpson Cycling
DNF Meghan Grant (CAN) Local Ride Racing
DNF Haley Warkentin (CAN) Russ Hays Accent Inns p/b Pacific Cycling Centre
DNF Jessica Daugharty Sterner (USA) Team Rep
DNF Norrene Godfrey (USA) Rubicon
DNF Erin Redl (CAN) Steed Cycles
DNF Katie Rushton (CAN) Oak Bay Bikes
DNF Gina Haatz (GER)
DNF Chelsea Smith (USA) Primal Pro Womens Racing P/B BH
DNF Maddi Campbell (NZL)
DNF Allison Beveridge (CAN) Trek Red Truck Racing p/b Mosaic Homes
DNF Jennifer McMahon (CAN) Glotman Simpson Cycling
DNF Anika Todd (CAN)
DNF Maggie Coles-Lyster (CAN) Local Ride Racing

Men

1. Ryan Anderson (CAN) Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies 03:53.0
2. Florenz Knauer (GER) Team Baier Landshut
3. Michael Schweizer (GER) NSP Ghost / Team Germany
4. Jean Michel Lachance (CAN) Predator Carbon Repair
5. Luis  Amaran (CUB) Jamis Hagens Berman
6. Steve Fisher (USA) Hagens Berman Cycling 03:56.6
7. Ken Hanson (USA) Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies 04:28.3
8. Tim Gebauer (GER) National Team Germany 04:29.8
9. Kristofer Dahl (CAN) Team H&R Block 04:31.1
10. Tommy Nankervis (AUS) BISSELL Pro Cycling Team
11. Federico Marchiori (ITA) Team H&R Block
12. Cody O’Reilly (USA) Predator Carbon Repair 04:32.6
13. Tom Soladay (USA) Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies
14. David Fleischhauer (USA) Hagens Berman Cycling
15. Zachary Bell (CAN) Champion System
16. Dion Smith (NZL) Predator Carbon Repair
17. Stephen Clancy (IRL) Team Novo Nordisk
18. Bailey McKnight (CAN) Trek Red Truck p/b Mosaic Homes
19. Aurelien Passeron (FRA) Predator Carbon Repair
20. Marsh Cooper (CAN) Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies
21. Philip Mooney (USA) Jamis Hagens Berman 04:37.7
22. Dustin Andrews (CAN) Trek Red Truck p/b Mosaic Homes
23. Anton  Varabei (CAN) Jet Fuel Coffee/Norco Bicycles
24. Ed Veal (CAN) RealDeal / Gears p/b Fieldgate 04:39.3
25. Jeffrey Werner (CAN) Russ Hays Accent Inns p/b Pacific Cycling Centre
26. Daniel Bichlmann (GER)
27. Thomas Radermacher (GER) Team HED by STAPS / Team Germany
28. Gregory Christian (USA) Garneau Evolution 04:41.7
29. Craig Richey (CAN) Trek Red Truck p/b Mosaic Homes
30. Dylan Davies (CAN) Super Champion
31. Brad Tuhi (NZL) Full Circle Cycling
32. Sebastian Salas (CAN) Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies 04:44.3
33. Aaron Schooler (CAN) Team H&R Block 04:45.2
34. Mac Brennan (USA) BISSELL Pro Cycling Team 04:49.0
DNF Will Routley (CAN) Accent-Jobs-Wanty
DNF Nic Hamilton (CAN) Jelly Belly presented by Kenda
DNF Guido Palma (ARG) Jamis Hagens Berman
DNF Gabriel Varela (USA) Jamis Hagens Berman
DNF Ryan MacDonald (CAN) Team H&R Block
DNF Ben Wortelboer (NZL) Team H&R Block
DNF Hendrik Werner (GER) Team HED by STAPS
DNF Joachim Tolles (GER) Team HED by STAPS / Team Germany
DNF Benjamin Stauder (GER) Team Baier Landshut
DNF Yannick Mayer (GER) Team Baier Landshut
DNF Adam de Vos (CAN) Trek Red Truck p/b Mosaic Homes
DNF Cody Canning (CAN) Trek Red Truck p/b Mosaic Homes
DNF Jesse Reams (CAN) Trek Red Truck p/b Mosaic Homes
DNF Brad Clifford (CAN) Trek Red Truck p/b Mosaic Homes
DNF Henri De Boever (CAN) Trek Red Truck p/b Mosaic Homes
DNF Brandon Etzl (CAN) Jet Fuel Coffee/Norco Bicycles
DNF Yuri Hrycaj (CAN) Jet Fuel Coffee/Norco Bicycles
DNF Travis Samuel (CAN) Jet Fuel Coffee/Norco Bicycles
DNF Emile Abraham (TRI) Predator Carbon Repair
DNF Rory  McAdams (USA) Tranquilo Racing PMS/ Code Performance Wear
DNF Maurice Worsfold (CAN) Tranquilo Racing PMS/ Code Performance Wear
DNF Chris  Worsfold (CAN) Tranquilo Racing PMS/ Code Performance Wear
DNF Bruno Nella (CAN) Tranquilo Racing PMS/ Code Performance Wear
DNF Chris Stastny (USA) Hagens Berman Cycling
DNF Chris Wingfield (USA) Hagens Berman Cycling
DNF Michael  Van Den Ham (CAN) Russ Hays Accent Inns p/b Pacific Cycling Centre
DNF Steven  Grandy (CAN) Russ Hays Accent Inns p/b Pacific Cycling Centre
DNF Luke Koolman (CAN) Russ Hays Accent Inns p/b Pacific Cycling Centre
DNF Travis Streb (CAN) Glotman Simpson Cycling
DNF Mark Rainer (CAN) Glotman Simpson Cycling
DNF Bartholomew Ludbrook (NZL) Glotman Simpson Cycling
DNF David Gillam (CAN) Glotman Simpson Cycling
DNF Marvin Isaza Guzman (CAN) Glotman Simpson Cycling
DNF Brett Boniface (CAN) Garneau Evolution
DNF Mackenzie Garvin (CAN) Cyclemiesters Bow Cycle
DNF Ty Andrews (CAN) Cyclemeisters Bow Cycle
DNF Ian Frith (GBR) Todd’s Racing
DNF Geoffrey Parslow (CAN) Todd’s Racing
DNF Sherwood Plant (CAN) Musette Caffe
DNF Nigel Kinney (USA) Musette Caffe
DNF Richard Machhein (CAN) Local Ride Racing
DNF Louis Crosby (NZL)
DNF Teklit Zeweldi (ERI) Tranquilo Racing PMS/ Code Performance Wear
DNF Normand Richard (CAN) Escape Velocity
DNF Geordie Morrison (CAN) Pro City Racing
DNF Andrea Ciacchini (ITA) Team Novo Nordisk
DNF Christopher Williams (AUS) Team Novo Nordisk
DNF Thomas Raeymaekers (BEL) Team Novo Nordisk
DNF Branden Russell (USA) Team Novo Nordisk
DNF Trevor Pearson (CAN)
DNF Eric Young (USA) Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies
DNF Chris Christie (CAN) Ryders Eyewear-Dissent Labs
DNF Tom Malczynski (CAN) Russ Hays/Accent Inn’s
DNF Mark Sherman (IRL) Musette Caffe
DNF Ian Baldwin (USA) Lake Washington Velo/Hagens Berman/Society Consulting
DNS Christian Meier (CAN) Orica GreenEDGE
DNS Carson Miller (USA) Jamis Hagens Berman
DNS Demis  Aleman (ARG) Jamis Hagens Berman
DNS Alex Candelario (USA) Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies
DNS Justin Kerr (NZL) Team H&R Block
DNS Garrett McLeod (CAN) Team H&R Block
DNS Ricardo Escuela (ARG) Predator Carbon Repair
DNS Matt Usborne (CAN) Tranquilo Racing PMS/ Code Performance Wear
DNS Ted Matson (CAN) Glotman Simpson Cycling
DNS Chad Adair (NZL) Full Circle Cycling
DNS Matthew O’Hagan (CAN)
DNS Craig Jones (GBR) Glotman Simpson Cycling