2008 World time trial champion takes overall race lead as the rain hits Idaho once again
Amber Neben (Specialized-lululemon) staked her claim to one the two United States spots in July’s Olympic time trial in London, with a decisive victory in the stage two time trial of the inaugural Exergy Tour. The 2008 World time trial champion completed the 17km out and back Kuna course, run on the north/south Swan Falls Road, in a time of 21’37, despite the heavy rain that made the course slick in several places.
Specialized-lululemon took all three podium places - as they did in the previous week’s Chrono Gatineau - with US champion Evie Stevens taking second, 14 seconds back, and Canadian champion Clara Hughes in third, at 19s.
“It's a great feeling to be on this team with so many great riders and to sweep the podium is nice,” said Neben. "It was really cold out there today, we were all freezing on the course but the good thing about that is that it encourages you to ride faster."
With race leader Ina Teutenberg finishing sixth, the German-registered team took over the top four places overall, as the race headed into it’s toughest climbing stage.
“It was a great day for us," said Specialized-lululemon directeur sportif Ronny Lauke. "The girls were super focused on doing well today and they pulled off a great result.
“Now we're in a good position but we still have two hard days to go so we have to remain focused and try to defend our jersey.”
Result stage 4
1. Amber Neben (USA) Specialized-lululemon, 17km in 21’37”
2. Evelyn Stevens (USA) Specialized-lululemin @ 14s
3. Clara Hughes (Can) Specialized-lululemon @ 19s
4. Shara Gillow (Aus) Orica-GreenEdge @ 29s
5. Gillian Carleton (Can) Canadian National Team @ 31s
6. Ina Teutenberg (Ger) Specialized-lululemon @ 34s
7. Alison Powers (USA) Now and Novartis for MS @ 37s
8. Trixi Worrack (Ger) Specialized-lululemon @ 42s
9. Tara Whitten (Can) Team Tibco-To The Top @ 45s
10. Jasmin Glasser (Can) Canadian National Team @ 58s
Standings after stage 4
1. Amber Neben (USA) Specialized-lululemon
2. Evelyn Stevens (USA) Specialized-lululemin @ 11s
3. Clara Hughes (Can) Specialized-lululemon @ 14s
4. Ina Teutenberg (Ger) Specialized-lululemon @ 21s
5. Gillian Carleton (Can) Canadian National Team @ 24s
6. Shara Gillow (Aus) Orica-GreenEdge @ 26s
7. Alison Powers (USA) Now and Novartis for MS @ 33s
8. Tara Whitten (Can) Team Tibco-To The Top @ 38s
9. Trixi Worrack (Ger) Specialized-lululemon @ 41s
10. Jasmin Glasser (Can) Canadian National Team @ 1’04”