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2007 Nature Valley Grand Prix
June 20-24, 2007
Minnesota
Race Report by Kirsten RobbinsAlex Wrubleski Wins Queen of the Mountain Competition
and Third Place Overall
Men’s Team Takes Second Overall, with Podium Finish for Anthony Colby in Stage Five
Stage One (June 20, St. Paul Downtown Criterium 50/60 min): The 50-minute criterium was a new addition to the six-stage Nature Valley Grand Prix. A gradual climb through the start/finish and a technical descent on the back side made the course perfect for Alex Wrubleski of the Colavita/Sutter Home Women’s Cycling Team presented by Cooking Light. With support from teammates Iona Wynter-Parks, Tiffany Cromwell, and guest rider Moriah McGregor, the Canadian National Champion drove a break of eight riders after she picked up the intermediate point to lead the Queen of the Mountain competition. Alex crashed with three laps to go, outside the free lap allotted, and was forced to chase back to the break away. The Canadian speedster had another unfortunate mishap through the second to last corner, crashing a second time in an attempt to win the stage. Alex placed eighth in the stage but climbed up the podium to claim her lead and wear the Jelly Belly QOM jersey.
Alex Wrubleski
The men raced 60 minutes on the speeding circuit. The Colavita/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Cooking Light brought a strong team, including climber Anthony Colby, Minnesota native Adam Bergman, Dan Vaillancourt, Andy Guptill, David McCann, and Peter Hatton. The men’s event kicked off with a bunch sprint with Peter and Anthony placing in the top 20.
Stage Two (June 21, Cannon Falls Road Race 60 miles): The 60-mile road race ended in a bunch sprint with Alex Wrubleski and Iona Wynter-Parks placing 7th and 14th, respectively. Alex held onto her lead in the QOM competition and moved into 5th in the overall. The men’s race ended in a similar fashion with Peter Hatton and Anthony Colby placing in the top 30 of a bunch finish.
Stage Three (June 22, St. Paul individual time trial, 5 miles): The individual time trial changed location to a scenic road on the opposite side of the Mississippi River. The five-mile stint was enough to separate the placing in the overall before the start of the climbing stages. Canadian time trial talent Moriah McGregor, riding with the Colavita/Sutter Home Women’s Team, placed 11th on the flat circuit with Alex Wrubleski in a close 15th. At the end of the stage, Alex remained first in the QOM competition and took the lead in the Nature Valley Grand Prix Best Young Rider competition as well. On the men’s side, Anthony Colby and Peter Hatton placed 17th and 18th in their respective events.
Stage Four (June 22, Minneapolis Classic, 40/60 min): Minneapolis hosts one of the liveliest criteriums in the country, with thousands of fans lining the 1.2-kilometer circuit. The stage’s technical course offered that last of the flat stages in the Nature Valley Grand Prix. Alex Wrubleski finished 6th in the bunch finish followed by teammate Iona Wynter-Parks in 13th. Alex continues to lead the QOM and Best Young Rider competitions and ranked 6th in the general classification after the stage. The men raced a 60-minute criterium that finished in a bunch sprint with Adam Bergman and Peter Hatton in the top 20.
Stage Five (June 23, Mankato Road Race, 86 miles): The Mankato road race is best known for its four challenging finishing circuits that combine a steep climb followed by a fast descent to the finish. Tiffany Cromwell of the Colavita/Sutter Home Women’s Cycling Team launched relentless attacks during the stage to keep the pressure on until the women reached the circuits. Alex Wrubleski rode into a break of five riders who were on the hunt for TEAm Lipton's Kristin Armstrong. Alex finished 4th in the grueling stage followed by Iona Wynter-Parks in 15th. Alex’s performance moved her into a tie for second place in the overall while she maintained her lead in both the QOM and the Best Young Rider competitions.
The men raced an exciting stage that saw Anthony Colby stand second place on the podium after his brave effort in a small break away. Anthony’s strong performance moved him into 7th place in the overall and teammate Peter Hatton followed in 14th. The Colavita/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team moved into second in the overall team competition.
Stage Six (June 24, Stillwater Criterium 50/60 min): One of the most demanding criteriums in the US, the Stillwater Criterium offers a steep climb up Chilkoot Hill with a gradient of 22%. Alex Wrubleski of the Colavita/Sutter Home Women’s Cycling Team placed 4th in the stage and 3rd in the overall 2007 Nature Valley Grand Prix. With strong, consistent support from teammates Iona Wynter-Parks, Tiffany Cromwell and newcomer Moriah McGregor, Alex maintained her GC ranking throughout the six stages, captured the QOM jersey, and placed second in the Best Young Rider Competition.
The Colavita/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team was aggressive from the start, sending Andy Guptill and Dan Vaillancourt on solo flyers to put pressure on the other teams and keep Anthony Colby in good position. As the field dwindled and splits started to separate the field, Anthony stayed in the select group of 12 riders and placed 8th in the stage and 7th in the overall general classification. The Colavita/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team finished second in the overall Nature Valley Grand Prix team competition.
