After a successful inaugural year in 2004, the U.S. Women's Prestige Cycling Series will run according to an identical program in 2005, starting with the PoolGel Redlands Bicycle Classic from March 31-April 3 and finishing with the CD&P Bermuda Grand Prix from September 22-25. The Nature Valley Grand Prix (June 8-12) and International Tour de 'Toona (July 25-31) will comprise the middle two rounds of the four round series. The CD&P Bermuda Grand Prix will again be a prize for the teams, with the top ten teams after the International Tour de Toona to receive housing and a travel subsidy to Bermuda.
Lyne Bessette, who won the individual title in 2004, appears to be out of the picture due to a 2005 program that includes mountain bike racing and racing for a number of different road teams. 2004 runner up Katrina Grove has retired from the sport, leaving third-place finisher Susan Palmer-Komar (Colavita/Cooking Light) as the highest placed rider returning to the series. However, only 30 points separated third through sixth in 2004, which should make for a much tighter race in 2005. Also look for a challenge from Quark Cycling's new recruit Annette Beutler, winner of the Nature Valley Grand Prix's challenging Stillwater Criterium in 2004.
