UnitedHealthcare's Ruth Winder took top honours Thursday during the opening time trial at the Joe Martin Stage Race, covering the 4.8km uphill race against the clock in 10:56, less than a second faster than runner-up Lauren Stephens (Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank). Stephens' teammate Kathryn Buss was third, five seconds back.
"I'm really happy, surprised and pleased," Winder said. "The course was hard. I liked the rolling hills, they suited me and my power. Tomorrow's stage will be hard and I'm looking forward to it."
Starting just 25 riders into the 80-rider field, Winder had a long, nervous day on the hot seat as rider after rider failed to surpass her time. Stephens, starting second to last, brought the drama to a crescendo when she finished just four-tenths of a second behind the winner.
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With no time bonuses for the stage, Winder now takes her slight advantage into the stage 2 road race, a 99.6km day that starts and finishes in Fayetteville.
"We have three riders in the top 6 so it gives us some options," said UnitedHealthcare director Rachel Heal. "Tibco is sitting just .4 of a second behind us, so it's going to be a good battle and it's one we're looking forward to."
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