Two-time Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong entered Friday’s Highland Greenspot Time Trial as the favorite and left as the winner in the third stage of the Redlands Bicycle Classic presented by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
Armstrong posted the only sub-17 minute time with a 16:54, 22 seconds faster than second-place finisher Amber Neben, and will become the field’s new yellow jersey holder with her third consecutive podium finish. Jasmin Glaesser Rally Cycling took third.
“Kristin was on point and with form, and had a super strong team,” Neben noted. “There were lots of younger challengers — the competition was tough, daunting — but I’m a fighter. You never give up until the end.”
Thursday’s yellow jersey winner and defending champion Mara Abbott, dealing with a hairline fracture in her left collarbone, finished seventh.
On the men’s side, Nielson Poweless defeated the light Friday rain and the rest of the men’s field to pull off the win.
Poweless, of Team Axeon Hagens Berman, clocked a 15:11.43 to take the stage victory, eight seconds faster than Silber Pro Cycling teammates Matteo Dal-Cin and Nigel Ellsay. Kyle Murphy finished with the fourth fastest time of 15:20.44.
Yellow jersey holder Janier Acevedo finished in sixth place, enough to hold on to his lead over the field, but hold a two second lead over Dal-Cin.
Photo © Frank Sarate / SoCalCycling.com
Be sure to check out SoCalCycling.com’s Event Calendars for upcoming Road Events, Mountain Bike Events and Fun Rides throughout the season for great cycling events.
