Stage 3 – 73km – The Sun Panorama Point Road Race

This race consisted of a separate 7.6km loop that we rode once only before completing 4 laps of a 16km hilly circuit.  The circuit had a steady 2km climb with short 20% gradient wall about midway up, followed by another more gradual rise.

There were 2 sprints on lap 3 and 2, located at the start/finish line.  I was concerned about the climb and warmed up well in preparation for the tough climbing ahead.  On our first ascent of the 16km loop, Genevieve Jeanson (Rona) attacked, taking 4 riders with her.  The break was represented with Saturn and Tmobile and everyone sat up and let them go.

It was a perfect situation for us.  All the sprint points would be taken by these climbers and I would retain my overall lead.  As soon as we knew the break was gone, I climbed as slowly as I could, to conserve energy for tomorrow.  I stayed with the front group until the last lap and then dropped back into the 2^nd group and rolled gently in.