May 1, 2011 (Athens, Georgia) – Theresa Cliff-Ryan (Colavita-Forno d’Asolo) defended her title in the women’s race while Luca Damiani (Kenda Pro Cycling) topped the men’s field at the 31st annual Terrapin Twilight Criterium in Athens, Georgia on Saturday evening as the US Crits Speedweek gets underway. Erica Allar (RideClean) was second and Christina Gokey-Smith (Rouse Bicycles) third for the women while Boy Van Poppel (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team) was second on the podium in the men’s race with Christian Helmig (Elbowz Racing) taking 3rd. Adam Thuss (Trek Red Truck Racing) lead the Canadians in 21st.

“An early break got 30 seconds on the field and then Unitedhealthcare went to the front and lined up the entire team to bring it back over the course of 10-15 laps. As soon as the first group got caught another 15 guys got off the front again,” said Veal post-race describing how things unfolded. “Then four riders jumped from that group and lapped the field with Damiani taking the win. The others were later swallowed up by the group and sprinted for 5th. I was in the hurt locker so much and finished 35th.”

Results (brief)

Elite Women

1. Theresa Cliff-Ryan (Colavita-Forno d’Asolo) 55:13.5
2. Erica Allar (RideClean)
3. Christina Gokey-Smith (Rouse Bicycles) 55:14.5
4. Laura Van Gilder (Mellow Mushroom)
5. Samantha Schneider (Team Tibco-to The Top)

Elite Men

1. Luca Damiani (Kenda Pro Cycling) 36:57.0
2. Boy Van Poppel (UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team) 36:57.1
3. Christian Helmig (Elbowz Racing) 36:58.4
4. Andrew Dahlheim (Bissell Pro Cycling) 36:58.8
5. Carlos Alzate Escobar (Team Exergy) 37:57.5

21. Adam Thuss (Trek Red Truck Racing) 39:00.8
27. Gavriel Epstein (Chipotle Development Team) 39:03.3
35. Ed Veal (Jet Fuel-La Bicicletta) 39:05.8
82. Craig Logan 39:28.0
90. Steve Meyer (Jet Fuel-La Bicicletta) 39:35.4
91. Kevin Hazzard (Jet Fuel-La Bicicletta) 39:35.5
101. Andrew Pinfold (Unitedhealthcare Professional) 40:12.4