(June 23, 2002)

Diana Ziliute Wins Final Stage at HP
Local Girl Makes the Break; Saturn's Arndt Radiates in Blue

BOISE ID (June 23, 2002) The HP Women's Challenge wrapped up today in Hyde Park, Idaho. The 57 mile stage was contested over open and rolling terrain, with only one substantial climb of three kilometers to put the final icing on already fatigued legs. With the overall fairly well wrapped up, there was ample opportunity for a stage win, and all teams raced aggressively for the honor of being on the final podium.

With the T-Mobile, Great Britain and Canadian National Teams launching continuous attacks prior to the climb, the Rona Team had their work cut out for them to keep the field together so that Genevieve Jeanson could seal up the Points and Climbers Jerseys at the top of the climb. Starting from the bottom the young and talented Canadian blew the field to pieces in her stretch for the points sprint at the summit. Once there, she eased the pace, allowing the peloton to come back together. Soon the attacks began with Diana Ziliute and Kristen Armstrong (Goldy's) escaping. The two began immediately working together, gaining a maximum lead of just over a minute by the final finishing circuits.

Content to let non-threatening riders go up the road, Saturn, Rona and Canadian National patiently waited for the finish. The Lithuanians however, were ready to stir things up a little more, and just before entering the final 1.5-mile circuit Rasa Polikeviciute attacked, forming a group of ten.

However, despite their organization, the group of ten would not see the twosome until after the finish line. Coming out of the final corner it was Ziliute making a bid for the finish line first. Armstrong could not come by her in the final meters, and settled for a very respectable second place finish, much to the joy and celebration of her local Boise fans. Winning the sprint of the ten was Heather Albert, another local Goldy's rider, putting the final very successful mark for the up and coming team.

Arndt and her Saturn Team rolled across the line, content to celebrate their outstanding victory. The Overall Classification remained unchanged, with Jeanson finishing in second and Saturn's Kimberly Bruckner in third. For full and final results check out www.womenschallenge.com or www.saturncycling.com

Next stop for many of the women is the Fitchburg-Longsjo Classic in Fitchburg, kicking off on June 27.

Results Stage Nine:
1. Diana Ziliute - Lithuania
2. Kristin Armstrong - Goldy's
3. Heather Albert - Goldy's

Overall:
1. Judith Arndt - Saturn Cycling Team
2. Genevieve Jeanson - Rona
3. Kimberly Bruckner - Saturn Cycling Team

[Source: Giana Roberge at KaRoberge1@aol.com, (262) 549-6801, Ext. 46]