Jun 30th, 09. Kiwi Jazz Apple rider Malindi Maclean was 2nd in the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix, whilst Hayden Godfrey and Jason Allen earned 1st place on the velodrome in San Jose.

Podium place for Maclean (c)JazzApple

Road Podium

The Manhattan Beach Grand Prix held on Sunday was a 2.25km criterium, part of the USA Cycling National Race Calendar (NRC). The men raced for 80 minutes and the women for 50.

The course is considered one of the more technical courses on the NRC. It is shaped like a slightly bent paperclip, featuring two long straights, two sweeping 180° turns, plus a touch of climbing every lap.  The finish line is only 300m after the final turn, meaning tactics and positioning are crucial.

Malindi Maclean found her position and finished 2nd just unable to catch Corinne Rivera of Proman Hit Squad.

Maclean's kiwi team-mates Lauren Ellis and Susy Pryde also finished the criterium, in 32nd and 44th positions respectively.

"The wind stepped in and prevented any successful breakaway attempts during the race," Jazz Apple manager, and rider, Susy Pryde told RoadCycling.co.nz.  

"There were several attempts, and Lauren made the best of it with a brave solo effort with 3km to go. She nearly made it but was caught with 500m to go!"  

"Malindi steadied herself near the front and was able to maintain excellent position for the gallop. Unluckily she was jumped by Corinne first, and then tried to reel her back in before the line but it wasn't quite long enough!" she said.

Fellow kiwi Hayden Godfrey placed 11th in the men's race. Godfrey was caught up behind a crash with 2 laps to go limiting his chances for a higher placing.

Track Podium

Subway colours flying around the track in San Jose
(c)Ken Conley Kwc.org

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