Armstrong Takes Top Spot At Opening Time Trial Of The Nature Valley Grand Prix.
By Cynthia Lou

Opening the last U.S. stage race of her career with a victory, Kristin Armstrong (Cervélo Test Team) blazed up the finishing hill of the St. Paul Riverfront Time Trial to take the yellow jersey in the first stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix. Close behind Armstrong’s finish of 13’ 48.55” on the rainy six-mile time trial course is current U.S. Time Trial champion Allison Powers (Team Type 1), 12.59 seconds behind at 14’  01.14”. Erinne Willcock (Webcor Builders) finished third 48.4 seconds behind at 14’ 36.95“.

“This is one of my favorite races,” a beaming Armstrong said. “Minneapolis is very welcoming,” she added, noting that the community and fan support at the Nature Valley Grand Prix helps her prioritize this race over others when deciding her racing schedule.

That she gets to start off the race with her strongest discipline is an added bonus.

“We’re looking forward to tonight’s crit, where there are 30 seconds worth of time bonuses,” said Allison Powers (Team Type 1). “We have a full team of eight, and we’re a strong crit team.”

Although Kristin Armstrong lacks teammates, she is not alone, “There are others who might also be riding alone, who are looking towards the top 10 spots. Hopefully we can work together.”

“If it’s still raining tonight,” she added, “we will definitely try to stay in front!”

Rounding out the leaders jerseys are Alexis Rhodes (Webcor Builders) with the Best Young Rider Jersey, and Kate Veronneau (Altarum Women’s Cycling Team) with the Best Amateur Rider Jersey.

 

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