Tucson Bike Classic

The TBC is history now.   One of the larger stage races in the Southwest, this year'sk 27th Annual drew riders from California, Canada, Colorado and even SC/NC!  Bird thinks this is an A class race that far eclipses the French Broad Classic.

For Bird and I, this was a training race on the road to Battenkill and we struggled but had a few bright points.   Teenie had set this as an 'A' race and was well prepared.

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With a lightening fast TT on Friday, her 1st place put her in the leaders jersey on Saturday for the RR.  

The RR was 40 miles and 13 masters women came to the line. Three from TEAM DNA in Colorado looked like they could be trouble.   The 40 mile course included 2000+ ft of climbing and was definitely a test with some wind thrown in for good measure.   You guys know Teenie.  She was not going to defend the jersey, but goal set to win the stage.   In a tough set of hills, she broke away at approximately mile 24.   She was solo off the front for 8 miles, but then a chase group of 3 caught her.  At mile 37, the road turned up for 3 miles to the finish and Teenie took the 4 up sprint to gain a 10 second time bonus.   She launched at about 300 meters, despite the wind and grade, and only the 2nd place rider finished with same time.




This morning,  the circuit race was 5 laps x 5.5 miles with a crazy hard climb including about 4 stair steps.   The finish included 2 more hard selections.   The riders were really racing today and launched attack after attack that Teenie covered.   As the race matured, the women were down to about 6 riders and they passed the Cat 4 peleton despite the fact that the 4's had a 3 minute head start and about 30 women.   Up the 2 stair steps to the finish, it was again 4 up but Teenie powered ahead of the other 3.   She gapped the other women, gained time and again received a 10 second bonus.

It was a 3 stage sweep and the GC!  It was pretty thrilling to be here to support her.