SugarCRM riders did their club and sponsor proud as they animated this weekends Cats Hill Classic in downtown Los Gatos, California. Liza Rachetto and Mary Ellen Ash managed to fill the podium spots behind a scintillating Shelley Olds from PROMAN Pradigm, but it was the manner in which the SugarCRM girls captivated the attention of the Los Gatos fans that will ensure the race and these riders go down in Cats Hill Classic history.
With all members of the SugarCRM team controlling the early part of the race, it was Jennifer Van Muckey who initiated proceedings with a blistering solo move on her Blue Competition Cycles RC8 that stayed away for over six laps and forced the otheer teams to mount a concerted chase. This move by multiple Cats Hill Classic racer had the crowd on their feet as the lightweight speedster powered around the course.
This course, with its demanding 23% powerclimb and rough surface requires the best equipment, and the Blue RC8 paired with Mavic wheels gave the SugarCRM girls formiddable attacking power.
The next move was initiated by Shelley Olds, twice a runner up at this race and recently back from UCI track World Championships in Poland, she was hungry to nab the victory. Perennial hardwoman Liza Rachetto followed Shelleys attack, and knowing she had a speedy complement of sprinters as teammates back in the peleton, was content to not contribute too much to Shelleys move.
With three laps to go Liza attacked Shelley, only to be brought back over the crest of the climb. Again on the final lap Liza tried from the base of the climb, but a determined and speedy Shelley brought that back too. The race was being set up for the inevitable sprint, and with Liza forced to lead on the descent, Shelley attacked and grabbed the inside line into the final turn, edging out her crafty SugarCRM competitor in a fantastic sprint in front of an enthusiastic Los Gatos crowd.Seconds later, Mary Ellen Ash showed her scintillating speed to comfortably win the bunch sprint for third, with Starla Teddergreen 5th, Karla Kingsley 8th, Kim Fong 10th and Jen Van Muckey sitting comfortably in the field after her earlier efforts.
All in all, a fabulous effort by the girls in red, and a race that will be remembered for a long time by those who were there.
Thanks goes to all SugarCRM riders and staff, Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club volunteers and organisers- especially Barry and Aldene, and SugarCRM race mechanic Ryan Bontrager for helping the SugarCRM Women's Cycling Team strive to race at the highest level.
For a full race report on Lyne Lameroux's Podium in Site, click here
