Jul 22nd, 09.

Rushlee's report

40 degree heat was radiating off the black road carpetStage One of the Cascade Cycling Classic in Bend, Oregon, was quoted to be a stage where the sprinters would have an opportunity before the significant climbing began. And that it was.

The Women's race began with a nearly max'd out field of 120 riders, including 6 kiwi women. As we rolled out of the starting lot the 40 degree heat was radiating off the black road carpet with the 110km stage looming ahead of us.

Out and about on the roads the stage was a great way to introduce oneself to the area of Bend as the cloudless sky allowed full view of the mountain ranges which are home to a few mountain top stage finishes in the days to come. 

The major women's teams are allowed 8 riders and today they were doing most of the controlling throughout the race. Everyone seemed happy to roll along and put the week into perspective as there were no nervous attacks and the bunch stuck together through both sprints and the KOM.

The feed-zone was a welcome sight where team Director Sportif for the week Craig Palmer, was positioned with promised liquid refills which were in high demand.

Post the second on-road sprint for the day, a left turn which opened up into a false flat accompanied with cross winds, many girls were left questioning whether their brakes were rubbing as legs started snapping off the front and the big teams began to open it up as the peloton snaked along the road in single file.

There were assorted accelerations but as promised the course was meant for a bunch kick and the attacks were controlled allowing for a sneaky solo effort to be made by a lone Webcor rider to steal the finish off sprinter Tina Pic who won the bunch kick.

All kiwis were in fine form in Stage One throwing some kiwi slang around the peloton and will be ready to take Stage 2 and the mountain top finish that comes with it.

RoadCycling.co.nz adds

In the men's race Bissell Pro Cycling's Ben Jacques Maynes won ahead of a select group of twenty riders which included kiwis Jeremy Vennell and Mike Northey. The rest of the peloton finished almost five minutes later.

Unfortunately, Logan Hunn was one of six rider who won't be starting tomorrow's stage after finishing outside today's time cut.

Today's twitter update comes from Sam Bewley, "On the massage table, letting Rachael do her magic! Short stage today but very hot! Didn't feel great, but ok now, so that's a good sign."

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