Linda Villumsen climbed to third at La Flèche Wallonne Feminine. While eventual World Cup winner Evelyn Stevens (Specialized - lululmeon) and Marianne Vos (Stichting Rabo Women) battled it out for the top step on the podium, Villumsen won the sprint behind to take third. Judith Arndt gave GreenEDGE-AIS another strong result to come in solo for sixth.

"A podium finish is a reward for how hard the team rode," said Sports Director Dave McPartland. "Basically, apart for last final kilometers, the whole race went exactly to our plan."

The first part of the 123 kilometer race were fairly quiet. The bunch stayed together until Amanda Spratt managed to sneak away from the field, 35 kilometers into the race.

"Spratty built up a minute lead straightaway," noted McPartland. "After gaining the minute, she slowly built up the rest of her advantage. She went up to 2:30 at the 80 kilometer mark and this set us up offensively and forced other teams to have to react."

The bunch caught Spratt after the first time up the Mur de Huy.

"We anticipated that the field would bring back Spratty, so as we started the final loop of 30 kilometers, we got ready to launch more attacks up the road," explained McPartland. "The field splintered coming through the feed zone, and Linda put in a move that provided the impetuous for the finale."

Clara Huges (Specialized - lululemon) and Lucinda Brand (AA Drink - leontien.nl) joined Villumsen in a three-rider move.

"Again, this set us up beautifully because I was confident that if those three came to the line together, Linda would win it," said McPartland. "On the second to last climb on the circuit, with nine kilometers left to race, Vos attacked. No one could go with her but Stevens."

"I heard on the radio that Marianne Vos and Evelyn Stevens had gapped the bunch," added Villumsen. "When they were within ten seconds behind us, I knew I would need to go with them when they passed."

Vos and Stevens bridged up and rode past Villumsen's break with ease.

"I tried to go with them and get away from the break, I was in," Villumsen said. "I gave it everything. I knew this was my only chance to win the race. It didn't work."

Realizing the chase was futile, Villumsen decide to conserve energy in the three-rider break to preserve her chance for the podium.

"When I couldn't chase down Vos and Stevens, I did everything I could to save myself for the finish," noted Villumsen. "I drafted to save my legs. I drank as much as I could take in. I mentally reviewed the sprint. This paid off."

Stevens took her first World Cup win over Vos while Villumsen was the best of the rest from her break.

"It was a great ride by the team and a huge effort by Linda," said McPartland. "She maybe wasn't the rider we had in mind for the finish but she was still able to deliver the result when it mattered."

MOUNTAIN BIKING
Shimano MTB Grand Prix draws out endurance racing talent
The U23 Australian National 24H Solo Champion Mark Tupalski won round three of the SHIMANO MTB Grand Prix endurance racing series at Ourimbah MTB Park near Wyong on the weekend.

Wednesday, 19 June 2013

CYCLING
Vink finishes commendable fifth in prestigious tour in Germany
Christchurch cyclist Michael Vink has finished a commendable fifth place in the week-long International Thuringen Rundfahrt in Germany.

Monday, 17 June 2013

TRIATHLON
Companies invited to rise to the Challenge
Challenge Wanaka, New Zealand's largest annual triathlon festival, has launched the Challenge Wanaka Corporate Trophy – a brand new race category for corporate teams complete with a host of motivational, team building and promotional benefits.

Friday, 14 June 2013

TRACK CYCLING
Dawkins claims keirin victory in Paris
Southland's Eddie Dawkins has continued his strong form with victory in the Grand Prix cycling meet in Paris today.

Friday, 14 June 2013

BMX
Red Bull Framed Reactions 2013
For the first time in history a BMX competition took place at a course with moving elements and course-rider-interaction.

Friday, 14 June 2013

CYCLING
A new study reveals rampant doping on The Tour from 1994 onwards
A decade of systemic doping on the Tour De France begun in the mid 90s according to a controversial new French cycling magazine released today.

Wednesday, 12 June 2013

CYCLING
More cycling success for New Zealand riders
New Zealand cyclists have enjoyed podium success on both sides of the Atlantic over the weekend.

Monday, 10 June 2013

TRIATHLON
Crawford runner-up in Ironman Cairns
Wanaka’s Gina Crawford finished runner-up at Ironman Cairns today after a major battle with Olympic-distance convert Liz Blatchford today.

Sunday, 9 June 2013

TRIATHLON
Warriner and Docherty atop the podium in busy triathlon weekend
Sam Warriner has returned to the winners circle, taking out today’s Ironman 70.3 race in Cairns, Australia.

Sunday, 9 June 2013

TRIATHLON
Docherty Wins 70.3 Boise USA
Olympic Silver medallist Bevan Docherty has proven the move from ITU triathlon to the longer form of racing has paid dividends, winning Ironman NZ in March and today claiming victory at 70.3 Boise USA.

Sunday, 9 June 2013

TRIATHLON
Sam Warriner takes out Ironman 70.3 Cairns in style
Near perfect conditions set the day in Cairns early on today.

Sunday, 9 June 2013

CYCLING
In-form Vink on cycling podium in Germany
Christchurch cyclist Michael Vink has made a strong start to the latest tour race for the BikeNZ squad in Germany today.

Sunday, 9 June 2013

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